Evaluation tool for solving local power and capacity deficit

Abstract: Sweden has a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2045. To reach this goal electrification of different sectors are one of the most important pathways for becoming fossil free. The power grid in Sweden has historically been seen as stable and with unlimited transmission capacity. However, with increasing power demand of electricity in society the transmission capacity is becoming limited. In short term this can delay development of new district and housing projects. In long term capacity deficit could prevent the opportunity of electrification project replacing fossil fuel for the transport and industry sector. This could have a negative impact on both Sweden’s competitiveness and ability to become carbon neutral. As an industry player with the aim of providing leading solutions for sustainable development, AFRY has an interest in finding solutions enabling a transition to a fossil free energy use. With capacity deficits in the power grid becoming a growing problem for metropolitan areas, AFRY has requested tool that can evaluate technical solutions for solving local power deficits. The aim of this thesis is thus to develop an evaluation tool for comparing technical solutions for solving local power deficit. Based on a literature review identifying suitable technologies; reinforcing local power grids, implementing BESS or combined BESS PV systems to a local power grid are the technical solutions chosen for this study. With the compiled technical key characteristics and component costs fort the technologies the tool is developed in Excel. From testing the tool with different cases, combined BESS PV solution is seen to have the lowest investment cost if the local power deficit is low. If the deficit is high, reinforcing the grid with transformer and substation capacity is the solution whit the lowest investment cost.