Energy System Analysis of 100 Per cent Renewable Energy Systems: The Case of Denmark year 2030 and 2050

This paper presents the methodology and results of the overall energy system analysis of a 100 per cent renewable energy system. The input for the systems is the result of a project of the Danish Association of Engineers, in which 1600 participants during more than 40 seminars discussed and designed a model for the future energy system of Denmark, putting emphasis on energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and industrial development.

The energy system analysis methodology includes hour by hour computer simulations leading to the design of flexible energy systems with the ability to balance the electricity supply and demand and to exchange electricity productions on the international electricity markets.
The results are detailed system designs and energy balances for two energy target years: year 2050 with 100 per cent renewable energy from biomass and combinations of wind, wave and solar power; and year 2030 with 50 per cent renewable energy, emphasising the first important steps on the way. For the first step until 2030, the results include detailed socio- economic feasibility studies, electricity market trade calculations, and sensitivity analyses.

The conclusion is that a 100 per cent renewable energy supply based on domestic resources is physically possible, and that the first step toward 2030 is feasible to Danish society. However, Denmark will have to consider to which degree the country shall rely mostly on biomass resources, which will involve the reorganisation of the present use of farming areas, or mostly on wind power, which will involve a large share of hydrogen or similar energy carriers leading to certain inefficiencies in the system design.