Case Studies of Energy Grid Hybridization in a Northern European City

We present two case studies on energy grid hybridization, where the distribution networks of multiple energy sectors are more tightly coupled together to increase their flexibility via mutual transfer of energy. The hybridization approaches were developed in cooperation with the local stakeholder in a northern European city, comprising of a short-term setup with a low adoption barrier as well as a long-term scenario with more involved grid coupling using more efficient devices. For a range of coupling device configurations, device locations, control algorithms, and assumptions on utility prices and energy demand, we investigate the influence of the hybridization on the energy mix, CO2 emissions, and energy costs. The studies have been conducted using a co-simulation toolchain developed by the European Project OrPHEaS specifically for fine-grained technical simulation of multi-carrier grids. Our results confirm that the hybrid grid approach is an effective means to increase the share of renewable energies and reduce operational costs. It also turns out that precise forecasts of energy demand and utility prices are essential for appropriate dimensioning of the coupling points.