As the energy sector increasingly turns to renewable sources, particularly offshore wind, the need for robust transmission infrastructure to connect these sources to demand centers becomes paramount. Researchers Giacomo Bastianel, Clement Hardy, Nils Charels, Dirk Van Hertem, and Hakan Ergun from the University of Liege have identified and classified key technical design constraints and considerations for transmission grid expansion projects, providing a structured approach for system operators and policymakers.
The researchers, affiliated with the University of Liege’s Montefiore Institute, have published their findings in the journal “Applied Energy.” Their work aims to address the lack of a transparent and systematic process for planning and designing large-scale transmission grid expansion projects, which are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.
The study identifies seven key areas of interest that are critical for transmission grid expansion planning: network integration, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technologies, costs (including capital expenditure, operational expenditure, and space requirements), electricity market design, future proofness and modular expandability, reliability-availability-maintainability, and sustainability. Each of these areas is analyzed for its technical and operational relevance, with specific constraints and considerations derived from this analysis.
The researchers introduce a hierarchical classification system to distinguish between three criticality classes: hard constraints, main drivers, and key considerations. Hard constraints are non-negotiable requirements that must be met, while main drivers are factors that significantly influence decision-making. Key considerations are important but less critical factors that still play a role in the planning process.
The study also discusses the dependencies between the different areas of interest, highlighting how they interact and influence each other. This comprehensive analysis provides system operators and policymakers with a clear decision hierarchy for investments in transmission grid expansion projects, supporting a more transparent and systematic planning methodology.
Practical applications of this research include improved decision-making for system operators and policymakers when planning and designing transmission grid expansion projects. By following the structured approach outlined in the study, they can ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the large-scale deployment of renewable energy sources, ultimately facilitating the transition to a low-carbon energy system. The research also underscores the importance of considering a wide range of technical, operational, and economic factors in the planning process to ensure the successful integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
In summary, the work of Bastianel, Hardy, Charels, Van Hertem, and Ergun provides a valuable framework for addressing the challenges associated with transmission grid expansion projects, offering a clear and systematic approach to support the energy sector’s transition to a more sustainable future.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.