Schnidrig, J.; Chuat, A.; Terrier, C.; Maréchal, F.; Margni, M. Power to the People: On the Role of Districts in Decentralized Energy Systems. Energies2024, 17, 1718.
Schnidrig, J.; Chuat, A.; Terrier, C.; Maréchal, F.; Margni, M. Power to the People: On the Role of Districts in Decentralized Energy Systems. Energies 2024, 17, 1718.
Schnidrig, J.; Chuat, A.; Terrier, C.; Maréchal, F.; Margni, M. Power to the People: On the Role of Districts in Decentralized Energy Systems. Energies2024, 17, 1718.
Schnidrig, J.; Chuat, A.; Terrier, C.; Maréchal, F.; Margni, M. Power to the People: On the Role of Districts in Decentralized Energy Systems. Energies 2024, 17, 1718.
Abstract
In the face of escalating climate concerns and the push for sustainable development, the global shift towards renewable and decentralized energy systems presents new challenges and opportunities. This study investigates integrating decentralized energy production, particularly photovoltaic (PV) systems, into national energy planning, aiming to optimize energy strategies that balance local production and consumption with national objectives. By analyzing the Swiss energy model, the research employs the EnergyScope and REHO models to assess the strategic implications of decentralized versus centralized energy systems. Results show that a decentralized approach can significantly reduce PV installation needs to 35 GW, about 23% of potential capacity, and decrease annual system costs by 10% to CHF 1230 per capita. This strategy emphasizes local consumption, minimizes grid reinforcement demands, and leverages economic advantages while addressing overproduction challenges through effective energy storage and grid management. Conclusions underline the strategic value of combining centralized and decentralized methods for resilient and sustainable energy planning. The study contributes to the discourse on energy policy and infrastructure planning, advocating for a hybrid model that accommodates both local conditions and broader energy objectives, urging further research into climate impacts and technology integration for a comprehensive energy future.
Keywords
energy system optimization; renewable energy; decentralization; self-consumption; renewable energy hub; carbon neutrality; energy independence
Subject
Engineering, Energy and Fuel Technology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
