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The increasing share of intermittent Renewable Energy Sources (iRES) in the energy mix leads to a growing need for their accurate representation in energy system models. In this paper, we analyze how the results of generation planning models are impacted by the spatial representation used to model intermittent renewable technologies. It is shown that the spatial resolution, and to a lesser extent the spatial aggregation method used in a planning model, have a significant influence on the obtained system cost. The effect is quantified in a case study of European geographical scale, by varying the spatial resolution from highly resolved (hundreds of sites) to highly aggregated (1 site). A resolution-dependency of the system cost is observed under multiple renewable generation targets, and different renewable capacity restrictions. In doing so, we highlight the importance of implementing an appropriate capacity limit, especially when a high spatial resolution is used. Additionally, basic spatial aggregation methods -to process high resolution input data- are compared. • Isolation of renewable representation effects in a stylized GEP model. • iRES resolution has a strong impact on GEP model results for Europe. • Capacity limits play an important role in this effect, especially in high resolution. • Spatial aggregation method only impacts models with low resolutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particular solar energy, can be connected to Europe to provide the Northern neighbouring countries with electricity. To achieve this long term objective, it is necessary to understand the local domestic consumption of electricity in the MENA region as the main consumer of energy. The understanding of current and future trends could help to provide a complete picture of the energy situation in MENA region and the feasibility of exporting energy to Europe. For this reason, this paper investigates the domestic energy use and occupants’ energy behaviour in Libya. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of domestic energy consumption and householders’ awareness, attitudes and behaviour on the overall energy consumption in Libya and how this could affect the peak demand, capacity, future trends and government energy budget. The paper also investigates the sustainability aspect of consumer products and the awareness and attitude of consumers towards consumption and demand. A comprehensive survey has been conducted to evaluate several aspects of domestic energy demand and characteristics in Libya. The findings have indicated that there is a significant increase in energy demands in the household sector in Libya and it is significant to have a clear strategy to reduce carbon emission and energy use by improving occupants’ behaviour as well as utilising other sustainable measures. Minor adjustment in householders’ energy consumption behaviour and the technology used to generate energy could provide significant financial savings and contribute significantly to the reduction in carbon emission and energy consumption. This will allow significant benefit to the local economy and the energy sector in Libya but at the same time could provide sustainable energy resources for Europe on the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]