Electricity supply to electric road systems : Impacts on the energy system and environment

Abstract

This study analyses how an electrification of the transport sector, including static charging and electric road systems (ERS), could impact the Swedish and German electricity system. The integration of ERS in the electricity system is analysed using: (i) a model-package consisting of an electricity system investment model (ELIN) and electricity system dispatch model (EPOD) and (ii) an energy system investment and dispatch model (SCOPE). The models are run for the same sets of scenarios and methodological differences and results are compared. The modelling results from the CollERS project show that the additional electricity demand from a large-scale implementation of ERS (i.e., a German-Swedish ERS corridor and connecting main road network) is mainly met by investments in wind power in Sweden and both wind and solar power in Germany. Since ERS will take some time to scale up, the modelling shows that there should be enough time for the electricity system to be transformed to meet demand for ERS while also meeting the goals on greenhouse gas reduction. It can be concluded that ERS are increasing the peak power demand (i.e., the net load) in the electricity system. Therefore, there is a need for more investments in peak power units and storage technologies when using ERS. A smart integration of other electricity demand, such as optimisation of the static charging at the home location of passenger cars, can facilitate an efficient use of renewable electricity also with ERS. Thus, it is important that ERS are evaluated and assessed in connection to corresponding assessment of electrification technologies of passenger cars and other sectors, including the industry sector where there are already plans for electrification (e.g. iron and steel, cement and petrochemical industry). The model comparison shows that different assumptions and methodological choices impact what kind of investments are taken, such as in wind, solar and thermal power plants to cover an additional demand from the use of ERS. However, an increase in investments in solar power (Germany) and wind power (Sweden) can be seen in all scenarios to cover the new demand for ERS.Swedish-German research collaboration on Electric Road Systems.Additional information and resources can be found on the web: www.electricroads.orgSwedish-German Research Collaboration on Electric Road Systems (CollERS