Optimal configuration of a renewable-based electricity supply sector

Proposed emission reduction targets as well as the scarcity of fossil fuel resources make a transition of the energy system towards a carbon free electricity supply necessary. Promising energy resources are solar and wind energy. The high temporal and geographical variability of these resources is challenging for their integration. This study focuses on the question how a renewable-based energy system ideally should be designed. We investigate the optimal structure of a prospective renewable-based power supply system on two different scales: on the global and the European level. The paper describes the applied simulation technique, based on linear optimization, employed to combine an adequately precise geographical coverage with high temporal resolution. As results we obtain ideal energy mixes, generation sites, storage and interregional power transmission capacities required for different scenarios of highly renewable supply.