New Simulation Represents 100% Renewable Energy System

Researchers at the Lappeenranta University of Technology in Finland have developed the first ever model depicting a 100% global renewable energy system.

In a first of its kind-type simulation researchers from the Lappeenranta University of Technology in Finland have modeled a 100% global renewable energy system covering the entire planet, structured into 145 separate regions as part of 9 major world regions. The global Internet of Energy Model puts into effect the targets set by the Paris Agreement using only renewable energy generating sources. Specifically, the model is intended to find the most economical solution for a renewable electricity system, and show how renewable energy can provide electricity for every season, day, and hour of the year.

“With the simulation, anyone can explore what a renewable electricity system would look like,” said Christian Breyer, LUT Solar Economy Professor and a leading scientist behind the model. “This is the first time scientists have been able to do this on a global scale.”

The model is able to provide the best mix of renewable energy generation, energy storage, and transmission components to cover electricity demand, resulting in a total electricity cost resting approximately between €55 and €70 per MWh for all 9 major regions.

But the developers of the model aren’t going to leave it at that, they are hoping to be able to expand the model so that it is eventually able to model the full energy sector, including heat and transport. The developers also hope to model the transition from the current energy systems towards a fully sustainable, low-carbon system.

“My hope is that we can finally stop debating about these myths,” explained Pasi Vainikka, Principal Scientist from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. “The visualisation shows exactly how a fully renewable electricity system operates. So let’s just build it.”