Report on flexibility technologies and measures in the German power system

Report written by myself and Corina Bolintineanu “Flexibility Technologies and Measures in the German Power System” was published in January this year. The analysis was published by the German Energy Agency (dena) in the framework of the Sino-German Energy Transition Project led by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) [German Society for International Cooperation] GmbH . The project supports the exchange between Chinese government think tanks and German research institutions to strengthen the Sino-German scientific exchangeon the energy transition and share German energy transition experiences with a Chinese audience.

Here the Executive Summary of the publication:

“Germany’s goal of climate neutrality is just around the corner. In order to reach it by2045, Germany will need to increase its renewable energy production and,alongwith it, its power system flexibility. For the past decades, solutions have been developed and implemented, such as the establishment of market rules that enable competitionbetween flexibility measures, along with a technology-neutral approach that ensures a broad mix of technologies and participants.

On the way to a power system based entirely on renewable energy, conventional power plants, in particular gas power plants, will continue to play a role. Today, coal-and gas-fired power plants are the mostrelevant source of flexibility in Germany. However, the phase-out of coal-fired power plants by 2038at the latest,and of nuclear power by 2022 will lead to an increased use of other flexibility options.Large-scale batteries, which are a fitting solution for providing primary control energy and for industrial applications, and small-scale batteries,which provideuser-related flexibility in private homeswill play an increasingly important role.

Flexibility will continue to be provided by biomass-and biogas-operated andpumped-storage power plants, currentlythe secondmostimportant source of flexibility. In addition, technological development as well as the phase-outof financial and regulatory barriers, particularly the double burden requiring operators to pay consumer fees twice, may trigger the use of power-to-X technologies, which are not yet widely deployedin Germany.

Price signals on the wholesale market are expected to triggerhigherdemand-side flexibility in the industry and small and medium-sized enterprises. Residential demand-side flexibility will play a greaterrole withthe gradual introduction of intelligent measuring systems (smart meters) and other digital technologies.

Last but not least, system operation regulations will need adjustments in order to increase grid flexibility.

The report provides a detailed overview of the main flexibility technologiesand measures in the German power system. While it reflects the status quo, it alsoindicatesneedsfor thedevelopment ofthe power system to reach climate neutrality and providesvaluable input for ongoing policy debates.”

The report is available on the website of the Sino-German Energypartnership as well as on the dena website.

First time representing the German Energy Agency (dena)

From 27th to 29th of May I was a part of the delegation of the German Energy Agency (dena) to the 25th Energy & Environment Fair & Conference ICCI in Istanbul.

In 28th of May I took part in the meeting of the German-Turkish Working Group “Sector Coupling and Energy Infrastructure” with representatives from the Turkish Energy Ministry and gave a presentation on storage technologies in Germany, including large scale battery storage systems (BSS) and the concept of “Netzboosters” (grid boosters) (see dena’s Twitter below). On the next day I participated in the conference on storage technologies in Germany and Turkey with German and Turkish experts. 

Both events were organized jointly be the dena and the German-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It was a pleasure to be a part of the organization team as well as to share with the Turkish colleagues the knowledge about current situation and developments concerning storage of energy in Germany. I have also lernt a lot about the Turkish electricity system and the role of renewables. I am looking forward to the next meeting of the Working Group in Berlin!

Final report of the Enquete Commission “New Energy for Berlin – The Future of the Energy Industry Structures”

Ich freue mich sehr über das Ergebnis der Arbeit der Enquete-Kommission des Abgeordnetenhauses von Berlin, an der ich beteiligt war: den Abschlussbericht “Neue Energie fü Berlin – Zukunft der energiewirtschaftlichen Strukturen”. Der Bericht wird auch bald in’s Englische übersetzt. Der Bericht ist verfügbar unter: http://www.parlament-berlin.de/ados/17/IIIPlen/vorgang/d17-2500.pdf

I am very pleased about the result of a work of the Enquete Commission of the Berlin House of Representatives, in which I was involved: the final report “New Energy for Berlin – The Future of the Energy Industry Structures”. The report will soon be translated into English. The report ist available online here: http://www.parlament-berlin.de/ados/17/IIIPlen/vorgang/d17-2500.pdf

Book chapter on German policy support mechanism for photovoltaics

Palgrave-cover

My book chapter “The German Policy Support Mechanism fpr Photovoltaics: The Road to Grid Parity” was published in Moe, Espen and Midford, Paul (eds.), “The Political Economy of Renewable Energy and Energy Security. Common Challenges and National Responses in Japan, China and Northern Europe”, Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 258-275.

From the book description:

Bringing together renewable energy and energy security, the authors cover both the politics and political economy of renewables and energy security and analyzes renewable technologies in some of the most relevant and topical parts of the world. Japan is energy-scarce and still experiencing the aftermath of Fukushima. China is expanding its renewable energy capacity faster than any other country. Northern Europe has long been among the most progressive regions with respect to renewables – boasting Denmark and Germany, front-runners in wind and solar energy solutions – but also home to petroleum-based economies like Norway. By comparing and contrasting the experiences of such a diverse range of countries, this book identifies both barriers and success factors and explains why some countries have been so much more successful than others when it comes to renewable energy.

More information available on the website of Palgrave Macmillan.

I will be scientific assistant for energy policy in the parliamentary group of the Pirate Party in the Berlin Chamber of Deputies

In August I start working for the Pirate Party’s parliamantary group in the Berlin Chamber of Deputies as a scientific assistant for energy policy, with focus on the Enquete-Commission “Neue Energie für Berlin – Zukunft der energiewirtschaftlichen Strukturen” [New Energy for Berlin – the future of the energy industry structures]. I am so excited about the challenge we are going to handle in Berlin – transition to renewables and more energy democracy! I hope for a good and fruitful cooperation with all involved in this process! I will publish soon more information about my new work and the work of Enquete-Commission.

Here my contact details in the Berlin Chamber of Deputies.