The document discusses the need to model coupled energy networks to transition to a decarbonized future. It notes that historically energy systems like electricity and gas have been planned independently, but integrating them can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and lower emissions. It presents a software called SAInt that can model multiple energy systems simultaneously. Case studies show how SAInt can analyze issues like security of supply and optimize power-to-gas facilities. The document argues that coordinating different energy networks through modeling is crucial to achieving deep decarbonization goals across sectors.

1. The need to model coupled energy networks
to transition to a decarbonized future
Carlo Brancucci & Kwabena Pambour
February 27th, 2020
encoordSolutions for Energy Systems Integration & Coordination

2. ISGAN in a Nutshell
Created under the auspices of:
the Implementing
Agreement for a
Co-operative
Programme on Smart
Grids
1/8/2018 ISGAN IN A NUTSHELL 2
Strategic platform to support high-level government
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development and deployment of smarter, cleaner
electricity grids around the world
International Smart Grid Action Network is
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Global
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Inventory Annex 2
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Case
Studies
Annex 3
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Annex 4
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Annex 5
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Annex 6
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ISGAN
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on Smart
Grids

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5. The need to model coupled energy networks
to transition to a decarbonized future
Carlo Brancucci & Kwabena Pambour
February 27th, 2020
encoordSolutions for Energy Systems Integration & Coordination

6. Global transition:
economy-wide decarbonization
earthobservatory.nasa.gov

7. Global anthropogenic
greenhouse gas emissions
Data source: IPCC, 2014: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change.
electricity and heat production
25%
agriculture, forestry, and other land use
24%
buildings
6%
transport
14%
industry
21%
other energy
10%

8. Decarbonization challenge:
The need for long-term storage
in the electricity system
Projected Renewable Generation vs. Electric Load in California
Source: The INGAAFoundation, Inc., The Role of Natural Gas in the Transition to a Lower-Carbon Economy.

9. Decarbonization challenge:
The need for carbon-neutral fuels for
processes that can’t be electrified
Source: Davis, S. J., et al., Net-zero emissions energy systems, Science 29 Jun 2018: Vol. 360, Issue 6396.

10. Potential solution:
the integration and coordination of
coupled energy systems

11. Power – To – Gas (Renewable Hydrogen)
Source: SoCalGas, https://www.socalgas.com/smart-energy/renewable-gas/power-to-gas

12. Power – To – Gas (Renewable Methane)
Source: SoCalGas, https://www.socalgas.com/smart-energy/renewable-gas/power-to-gas

13. Power – To – Gas
Source: IRENA, https://irena.org/energytransition/Power-Sector-Transformation/Hydrogen-from-Renewable-Power

14. Modeling challenges
▪ Historically, energy systems (e.g. the electricity network or the natural gas pipeline
network) have been planned and operated independently.
▪ Hence, different software tools have been used to model different energy systems.
▪ It is hard to model the interface between coupled energy systems when using
different tools to model each of them. Generally, it is a time-consuming and error-
prone process.
▪ Moreover, when modeling different energy systems independently, it is not
possible to correctly represent the behavior of coupling elements (e.g. gas-fired
electricity generators, power-to-gas technologies, etc.) while considering their
impacts on the 2 or more systems they are part of.

15. Our Solution:
Scenario Analysis Interface for Energy Systems
SAInt
A software application to model, plan, and operate
coupled electricity, gas, and heat networks.

16. Unique Capabilities
SAInt is the only commercial software that can model coupled energy
systems using different modeling approaches, including simulation and
optimization algorithms in a single environment and graphical user interface.

17. Unique Capabilities
SAInt is currently used to model real large-scale electricity and gas networks.
▪ SAInt can model the injection and blending
of different gases (e.g. hydrogen, methane).
▪ SAInt allows the user to model coordinated
controls between coupled energy systems.
▪ SAInt has been validated by benchmarking
it against scientific literature and other
commercial software.
▪ SAInt is highly interoperable with other tools
using its Application Programming
Interface.

18. Value of modeling coupled energy systems
save capital &
operational
costs
increase energy
efficiency
reduce
greenhouse gas
emissions
improve system
reliability and
security of supply
Users: transmission & distribution network operators, governments &
energy regulators, research & academic organizations

19. Case study 1 (security of supply)
Goal: Analysis of security of supply
in integrated European natural gas
and electricity networks.
▪ Feasibility and contingency
analysis
▪ Development and testing of
mitigation strategies
https://drmkc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Portals/0/Innovation/SupportSystem/05_Training_CIP_Energy_Sector/Day_1/6_Athens_Jung.pdf
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/7/1/47
Map shows a real network of a European region, which has been
disguised due to confidentiality reasons.

20. Case study 2 (high wind & solar penetrations)
Goal: Analysis of the value of day-ahead and intra-day
coordination of electricity and natural gas network operations
▪ Co-simulation platform linking SAInt with commercial
energy market modeling tool.
▪ Validation of SAInt’s natural gas simulation modules using
Kinder Morgan’s natural gas network data.
▪ Simulation of Colorado’s interconnected electricity and
natural gas networks.
▪ Analysis of FERC Order 809.
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/7/1628
SteeringCommittee

21. Case study 3 (power-to-gas)
Goal: Coupled simulation and
analyses of gas & electricity
networks
▪ Optimal sizing and location of
power-to-gas facilities
▪ Contingency & security of
supply analysis

22. Key messages
▪ One of the major challenges to decarbonize the electricity sector is the need for
long-term storage due to the seasonal variability of electricity demand and of
renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
▪ Hydrogen has the potential to become a major source of energy storage that can
be produced anywhere where there is excess electricity generation via electrolysis.
▪ The integration and coordination of coupled energy networks, such as electricity,
gas, and heat networks represent major opportunities to decarbonize a large share
of the sectors responsible for today’s anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions,
including electricity and heat production, buildings, transportation, and industry.
▪ The best way to study and understand the coupling and the synergies of different
energy networks is to model them in a coupled way.

23. We believe the integration of energy
systems and the coordination of their
planning and operational processes are
needed to achieve the challenging
economy-wide decarbonization goals.

24. Thank you!
We welcome your questions.
Carlo Brancucci & Kwabena Pambour
carlo@encoord.com, kp@encoord.com, www.encoord.com
encoordSolutions for Energy Systems Integration & Coordination
The recorded webinar will be available at: https://www.iea-isgan.org/our-work/annex-8/