Xavier Rixhon (UCLouvain) presented his work during the 6th International Conference on Smart Energy Systems, organized by Aalborg University and Energy Cluster Denmark, on 6-7 October 2020. https://smartenergysystems.eu/:

The role of electro-energy carriers under uncertainties for Belgian energy transition
Wind and solar energies, per se, present a time and space disparity which generally leads to a mismatch between the demand and the supply. To harvest their maximum potentials, one of the main challenges is the storage and transport of these energies. This challenge can be tackled by electric-energy carriers. They offer three main advantages: compatibility with existing distribution networks or technologies of conversion, economical storage solution for high capacity (from 100 GWh), and ability to couple sectors (e.g. energy with chemical industry). However, the level of contribution of electric-energy carriers is unknown. To assess their role in the future, we used whole-energy system modelling (EnergyScope TD) to study the case of Belgium. This model is multi-energy and multi-sector. It optimises the design of the overall system to minimize its costs and emissions. Such a model relies on many parameters to represent as closely as possible the future energy system. However, these parameters can be highly uncertain, especially for long-term planning. Consequently, this work integrates a global sensitivity analysis in order to highlight the influence of the parameters on the outputs of interest (e.g. CO2 emissions, cost of the system,…). In addition to the share of these fuels in the future energy system, the results point out the driving factors to their integration. On a larger scope, this study helps policy makers to come up with robust decisions towards sustainability.
Video of the presentation: