In this groundbreaking book, energy systems modelling expert Dr Gregor Czisch analyses electricity supply options for Europe and its neighbouring regions. He describes how our electricity supply could be structured in an optimally cost-effective manner largely based on currently available technologies. Czisch proposes that power plant usage and selection be optimised in a manner that takes full account of the availability and intermittency of renewables. To this end, the author provides a number of solutions entailing a wide range of thought-provoking scenarios.
Czisch’s visionary study shows that a pan-European renewables-based supergrid using high-voltage DC lines extending into North Africa could supply an area spanning 50 countries with a combined population of 1.1 billion. The author demonstrates that such a supergrid would obviate the need for fossil fuels and nuclear power, and that its costs would be on a par with or perhaps even lower than our current electricity supply system.
List of Tables
List of Figures
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 : Introduction
Chapter 2 : Executive Summary
Chapter 3 : Other Research on the Energy Supply of the Future
Chapter 4 : The Use of Solar Energy for Electricity Supply
Chapter 5 : Wind Power
Chapter 6 : Biomass Utilisation
Chapter 7 : Hydropower
Chapter 8 : Utilisation of Geothermal Energy
Chapter 9 : Downdraught Energy Towers
Chapter 10 : Secondary Energy Carrier Hydrogen for Provision of Backup Power
Chapter 11 : Fusion Power Plants
Chapter 12 : Fossil-Fired Power Plants
Chapter 13 : Electricity Consumption and Transport
Chapter 14 : Power Plant Usage and Selection Planning
Chapter 15 : Electricity Supply Scenarios in Various Technical and Political Contexts
Chapter 16 : Concluding Reflection
Appendix A : Calculation Methods Used
Appendix B : Development Environment for MPS Files
Appendix C : Mathematical Formulations for the Optimisation Problem
Appendix D : Regions
Appendix E : Symbols and Indices
Appendix F : Glossary
References
Index
