title: 2050 Energy Infrastructure Outlook Multi Vector Integration Analysis - Multi Vector Integration Study (Assessment of Local Cases)
Creators: name: Walker, I.
name: Staw, T.
name: Stewart, A.
name: Tiniou, E.
Publisher: name: ETI
Year: 2017
Subjects: subject: Energy Storage and Distribution
subject: OTHER CROSS-CUTTING TECHNOLOGIES or RESEARCH (Energy Models)

description: This project aims to improve the understanding of the opportunity for and implications of moving to more integrated multi vector energy networks in the future. Future energy systems could use infrastructure very differently to how they are employed today. Several individual energy vectors - electricity, gas and hydrogen - are capable of delivering multiple services and there are other services that can be met or delivered by more than one vector or network<br><br>This study considers how greater integration between energy vectors, principally electricity, gas, heat networks and hydrogen, could lead to a more flexible and resilient energy system in the future that isable to deliver carbon reduction objectives in a more cost-effective manner. Using a Case Study approach and considering a range of over-arching energy system evolutionary pathways, the study aims to identify circumstances where a multi vector approach to energy system development and operation will lead to a better outcome than evolution of today’s largely independently operated energy networks.The study provides insights into identification of the system conditions and geographies that create opportunities for multi vector systems and the timescales over which these systems are relevant.These early insights will help to plan investment in key infrastructure that will be in place for the long term.<br><br>This report presents the analysis of each of the Case Studies:-Case 1: Retention of the gas network to meet peak heating loads in a future where heat decarbonisation is achieved by high electrificationCase 2: Gas-fired Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and electric heat pumps supplying heat networksCase 3: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switching between electric and liquid fuel running modes at times of tight electricity supply marginsCase 4: Renewable Energy Sources (RES) electricity generation to gas (hydrogen or methane) for injection into the gas systemCase 5: Grid electrolysis to produce hydrogen for a hydrogen distribution systemCase 6: Renewable Electricity Connection Constraint Mitigated by Domestic thermal DemandCase 7: EfW Flexing Between Producing Electricity and Gas for Grid InjectionIn each case, detailed simulation of the proposed multi vector and counterfactual single vector energy system configurations has been undertaken.The technical simulations inform an analysis of the resource costs associated with the multi vector solution compared to the single vector counterfactual, in order to identify cases where the multi vector solution delivers a benefit. Alongside the analysis of economic benefits, the key engineering and operational challenges associated with the multi vector configuration are introduced.The work on engineering challenges and barriers, and a consideration of potential opportunities for innovation to overcome these barriers will continue in Work Package 5 of the study.