Search

The cost-optimal pathway for moving from the current fossil-fuel based energy system to 100% renewables is still an open question. This work presents the first study that analyses the transition towards a 100% renewable energy system under different spatial resolutions (1-node, 6-nodes electrically isolated and interconnected) and various coupling configurations for the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors. With the LUT Energy System Transition Model for the case of Chile, 12 scenarios were investigated in an hourly resolution and considering more than one hundred energy-related technologies. The results show that: (1) 1-node systems deliver too simplistic results for key metrics; (2) power sector simulations can lead to a strongly distorted resources allocation compared to scenarios that include other sectors; (3) a multi-node model better reflects transmission bottlenecks and local resources, and; (4) the lowest-cost solution is reached when power transmission lines are considered. Thus, it is concluded that a cost-optimal, balanced, and realistic solution to reach a fully defossilised energy system is transitioning towards a multi-node, interconnected, and fully sector-coupled energy system. This can be called, in short, the 'Power-to-X economy', which in the case of Chile would more accurately be a 'Solar-to-X economy', given the high solar share found in the simulations. • 12 scenarios analysed with different spatial resolution and sector coupling setups. • Various coupling setups for the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors. • Electricity is the main energy carrier followed by e-hydrogen mainly for e-fuels. • A multi-node, interconnected and sector-coupled system is the most optimal solution. • First explanation of the 'Solar-to-X economy' concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to analyse the impact of renewable energy (RE) technologies and sector coupling via analysing the transition pathways towards a sustainable energy system in Chile. Four energy transition scenarios for the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors were assessed using the LUT Energy System Transition model. The current policy scenario was modelled and compared with three best policy scenarios. The results showed that the transition to a 100 % renewable-based energy system by 2050 is technically feasible. Further, such an energy system would be more cost-efficient than the current policy scenario to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The results also indicate that Chile could reach carbon neutrality by 2030 and become a negative greenhouse gas emitter country by 2035. In a 100 % renewable-based energy system, solar photovoltaics (PV) would contribute 86 % of electricity generation, which would represent 83 % of the total final energy demand for the year 2050. This would imply the use of about 10 % of the available techno-economic RE potential of the country. Three vital elements (high level of renewable electrification across all sectors, flexibility and RE-based fuel production) and three key enablers (solar PV, interconnection and full sectoral integration) were identified in order to transition to a fully sustainable energy system. Chile could contribute to the global sustainable energy transition and advance to the global post-fossil fuels economy through the clean extraction of key raw materials and RE-based fuels and chemicals production. • Transitioning to a 100 % RE system would be more cost-efficient from 2035 onwards. • A fully defossilised energy system in Chile is technically feasible. • Electrification on all sectors, flexibility and RE-based fuels are vital elements. • Solar PV, interconnection and full sectoral integration are key enablers. • Chile could become a negative GHG emitter country by 2035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]