Modelling an individual country within the context of the surrounding energy systems – the importance of detail

This study investigates to what extent it is necessary to not only model a specific country in detail when investigating 100% renewable energy, but also the surrounding countries and systems. This is done by utilising EnergyPLAN and the EPlanFlow framework. EPlanFlow allows for the use of EnergyPLAN to model the benefits of smart energy systems in combination with transmission of electricity based on a power flow analysis determining the least marginal cost solution for transmitting electricity. Together, the energy system will operate by utilising both the benefits of interconnection and system integration. To discuss the questions, the study takes offset in the case of Germany, with a number of surrounding energy systems. These are modelled at different scales 1) no surrounding energy system, 2) one common surrounding energy system, 3) three groups of surrounding energy system based on geographical direction, 4) each country individually. From these groups the study shows to what extent the modelling of surrounding energy systems is important with different rates of renewable energy implementation.