More wind turbines than PV systems needed for energy transition

Twice as much electricity, half as much as wind and sun

For the “Electricity Strategy 2040”, the electricity demand up to 2040 was estimated and examined to determine which generation technologies could meet this demand safely and all year round. The decisive factor here is the Mix of renewable energies says Michael Strugl, President of Austria’s Energy. According to calculations, electricity demand in 2040 is expected to 145.2 terawatt hours This is almost exactly double today’s electricity demand of 73 TWh.

146.5 terawatts must be generated. The largest part of this (58.1 TWh) is to be provided by hydropower as before. Around half of the electricity is to be generated by wind (39.9 TWh) and photovoltaics (32.6 TWh). This shows a large Difference to the Austrian Network Infrastructure Plan (ÖNIP), which the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection presented in April. It contains the Weighting exactly the opposite Photovoltaics are expected to deliver 41 TWh, wind only 29 TWh. “In our opinion, this is not the right mix,” says Strugl.

Wind flattens peaks and delivers in winter

Photovoltaics sometimes provide large production peaks and this is relatively evenly distributed across the country, explains Strugl. If only part of the electricity generated can be used at these times, this puts a strain on the power grid. More powerful lines and more storage options are then needed. If the share of wind power in the electricity mix is increased, the Production curve flattened In addition, wind power often delivers energy precisely at Electricity when PV and hydropower declineThis was also seen during the rainy last few days. River power stations had to be shut down because of the flooding, the sun barely penetrated the clouds, but the wind blew strongly.

Over the course of the year, wind power also supplies more electricity in the winter monthswhich complements the declining hydroelectric and PV power production. Currently, photovoltaic expansion in Austria is progressing well, and wind energy is behind the target path back.

Models become more precise

Why the Electricity Strategy 2040 is so different results Danny Güthlein, co-managing director of the energy supplier Kelag, explains how the ÖNIP comes into play: “Modelling is better from year to year The fact that the ÖNIP evaluates photovoltaics too positively was already a point of criticism after its publication.”

The new study does not claim to be the absolute truth. In the future, for example, even more detailed calculations where, for example, electricity supply and demand in 2040 are simulated with an hourly resolution. The ÖNIP is also no binding plan of the Climate Protection Ministry, explains Barbara Schmidt, Secretary General of Austria’s Energy. The different calculations are intended to Basis for discussion for the creation of an expansion plan.

Join forces and stop scaremongering

The most important message of the new study is that the decarbonization of the electricity system can work if done right, says Michael Strugl. The restructuring is necessary to increase the attractiveness of the Business location Austria and to maintain a high Security of supply From the energy industry’s point of view, 2040 is a time horizon that makes it necessary to to start planning now Massive political support is also necessary: ”We will need technical innovations, skilled workers and we need planning security, investment security and legal certainty.”

According to Danny Güthlein, it is also important to have a fact-based societal dialogue “After the election, one should move away from fear and prejudice driven representations“, especially with regard to wind power. Switzerland could be a model for this. The population there voted on the expansion of renewable energies in June. The issue was explained transparently by a broad alliance of politicians, business, environmental organizations and energy suppliers. Almost 70 percent voted in favor.

More wind turbines than PV systems needed for energy transition

ByEditor

Twice as much electricity, half as much as wind and sun

Wind flattens peaks and delivers in winter

Models become more precise

Join forces and stop scaremongering

By Editor

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