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Abstract As Denmark progresses towards a carbon neutral future, energy system models are required to address the challenges of the energy transition. This article describes design, input data and current usage of TIMES-DK, the first Danish energy system model that includes the complete national energy system, covering long-term technology investments. The article aims at explaining the modelling approach; highlighting strengths and reflecting upon limitations of the model; illustrating possible applications of TIMES-DK and inspiring new model developments. Some of the key strengths of the model include simultaneous optimisation of operation and investments across the complete energy system over the whole modelling horizon, explicit representation of the most important sectors of the economy, modular structure and the possibility of linking to a computable general equilibrium model for an additional insight on, e.g. public finance or CO 2 -leakage. TIMES-DK is being developed in close collaboration between an energy agency, a university and a consulting firm, to improve its robustness, relevance and impact on policy making. It allows for a wide range of applications including exploratory energy scenarios and policy analysis. To meet challenges of the future, further development of the model is needed and consequently the article provides references to ongoing projects addressing current development needs, such as improved representation of transport and flexible handling of the temporal dimension. To support a democratic and transparent process around decisions for the future Danish energy system, TIMES-DK should become available to interested parties. Highlights • TIMES model of the whole Danish energy system. • Simultaneous optimisation of operation and investments. • Unique integration with a Computable General Equilibrium model. • Energy savings options are modelled across end-use sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: Research efforts to analyse China's future energy system increased tremendously over the past decade. One prominent research area is China's first binding CO2 emission intensity target per unit of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and its impact on the country's economy and energy system. This paper compares 18 energy modelling tools from ten Chinese institutions. These models have been described in English language publications between 2005 and 2013, although not all are published in peer-reviewed journals. When comparing the results for three main energy system indicators across models, this paper finds that there are considerable ranges in the reference scenarios: (i) GDP is projected to grow by 630–840% from 2010 to 2050, (ii) energy demand could increase by 200–300% from 2010 to 2050, and (iii) CO2 emissions could rise by 160–250% from 2010 to 2050. Although the access to the modelling tools and the underlying data remains challenging, this study concludes that the Chinese perspective, independently from the modelling approach and institution, suggests a rather gradual and long-term transition towards a low carbon economy in China. Few reference scenarios include an emission peak or stabilisation period before 2040. While policy scenarios frequently suggest efficiency improvements, a short-term and large-scale introduction of non-fossil power technologies is rarely recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

Data centres (DCs) are expected to satisfy the rising demand for internet services. Denmark alone is expected to host several large-scale DCs, whose demand for electricity in 2040 may reach 33% of 2017 national electricity consumption. Understanding the operation and interactions of DCs with energy systems is key to understanding their impacts on installed capacities, costs and emissions. The present paper makes three contributions in this regard. First, we introduce a thermodynamic model that relates the power consumption of DCs to their production of excess heat (EH). Second, the results are scaled up to represent DCs in a national energy-system model for the analysis of different scenarios. Third, scenarios are generated and analysed to quantify the impact of DCs on the Danish energy system until 2050. The results show that DCs might have significant impacts on Denmark's power and district heating (DH) sectors. First, the power demand from DCs translates into an additional 3–6 GW of offshore wind capacity. Second, EH from DCs is beneficial to the whole energy system, the entire quantity of EH being utilized in four out of five scenarios. EH recovery from DCs is economically beneficial, providing from 4% to 27% of Denmark's DH after 2040. • Thermodynamic model links data centres' power consumption to excess heat production. • Data centres are explicitly represented in the Danish energy system model TIMES-DK. • Several scenarios are characterized by different evolution of data centres. • Data centres' impact could be as high as 3–6 GW of additional offshore wind capacity. • Excess heat from data centres can supply 4%–27% of district heating after 2040. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...