Modelling of cost effective energy systems – a regional approach to sustainable energy planning

Panel: Panel 3. Monitoring & evaluation: understanding change and how to deliver energy efficiency

Authors:
Endre Ottosen, New Energy Performance AS – NEPAS, Norway
John Johnsson, PROFU, Sweden
Jonas Lodén, Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Energy and Environment, Sweden

Abstract

Sustainable energy planning should be a priority in local communities for several reasons: it conserves valuable resources, reduces energy related costs and environmental impact and contributes to security of energy supply. Moreover, in order to reduce global green house gas emissions, local measures are required. This paper discusses a regional initiative to sustainable energy planning in five municipalities in the eastern part of Norway.

The planning process is described, focusing on some key measures and activities concerning strategy and energy efficiency. Collaboration between neighbouring communities may give the planning process added value, and synergies can be made by aggregating several local analyses into a regional plan. The outcome of such a regional collaboration is discussed in the paper.

Local energy planning is a process in which one often tries to over-view and analyse a complex energy system, and modelling tools can help facilitate this process. The REAM (Regional Energy Analysing Model) model is designed to analyse local and regional energy systems, supporting the user to identify a cost effective development of the energy system. Important parts of the regional energy system are described: local energy resources, large scale energy conversion, final energy consumption and green house gas emissions. On the basis of the present regional energy system, the REAM model is used to calculate two scenarios for the future development of the energy system, identifying potentials for energy efficiency and renewable energy.