Social-cost-benefit analysis of DC grids

how did we come to this day

Presenter and author: E. (Epko) Horstman MBSE BEng

Building Services Research Institute

Mauritius 12, Zoetermeer, Netherlands, www.bsri.eu

Round table 17 May 2018

24, Rue De Mot, 1040 Brussels

Round table Organised by EC DG, Unit C2 - New energy technologies, innovation and clean coal

2

How did we come to this day

Smart Grids;

Smart meters;

Energy Efficiency;

Demand Side Response;

DSM from distribution customers;

Business models for emerging energy applications (smart heat, electric vehicles, energy storage);

Barriers to market for the demand side.

3

How did we come to this day

Quotes

Smart Grids have a major contribution…

Will involve a variety of parties..

.. The critical key element will be the demand response of consumers..

..unclear how the benefits in the system will pass to the consumer

Households

Utility (large)

DSO

Society

Utility (small)

Industry

E suppliers

Costs Costs Costs

4

How did we come to this day

The DC alternative

DSM by simple voltage control;

Naturally congestion management;

More privacy, no big data;

More power over existing cables, less grid reinforcement;

Energy/material/space savings;

Higher lifespan/reliability;

Equipment often DC-ready;

TM

Households

Utility (large)

DSO

Society

Utility (small)

Industry

E suppliers

Costs Costs Costs Costs

5

How did we come to this day

The DC alternative

Could DC Grids have a even more major contribution…

Would it involve less parties..

Costs and benefits in the system more equally shared..

No critical demand response of consumers..

Naturally

Who benefits mostHouseholds

Utility (large)

DSO

Society

Utility (small)

Industry

E suppliers

Costs Costs Costs Costs

6

72 Billion euro more benefit?

Faster decarbonisation?

Relevance of this day

7

Independent and fair comparison

Dynamic approach

Topology

Powerhouse;

DE generation

World is not standing still

η power electronics;

More grid congestion;

Cheaper and safer storage

Member State differences

Existing infrastructure;

Energy tax policy;

People/m2

Exclude non proven technologies

Mid term innovations/trends

8

9

More and more DC applications

10

Playing with DC applications

11

Working on game-changers

12

Independent and fair comparison

Frameworks

CPB/NEI, 2000/ISO26000

many variables…

The Success Factor (sCBA)

Boundaries

Do not overclaim

Value what matters

Involve both parties

13

Why

Why?

For (macro - nano)grid planning and related investments, it is important to have an insight of the new technologies supporting different grid architecture and topology and to identify the related socio-economic costs and benefits.

14

Why

Key research question

‘what current carrier (AC, DC or Hybrid) on which level in the electricity network can accelerate the European Union (EU)’s Member States in achieving the ambitious security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness targets defined in the EU energy policies, with the most desirable socio-economic costs and benefits.’

15

Objective of this day

Answer

‘is it legitimate to state that direct current could play an accelerating role in favour of socio-economic benefits and the environment?’

What is expected of you?

Share experiences;

Interact with respect;

Value what matters;

16

Program of this day

How

I. Overview of AC & DC technologies and the EU grid

II. AC & DC technologies and applications

III. DC real life demonstrations

IV. Panel session Technical, social, cost & benefit perspective

Is it legitimate to state that:

‘direct current could play an accelerating role in favour of socio-economic benefits and the

environment.’