A multi-objective model for the analysis of investments to achieve an electricity cleaner production. The case of the Argentinean system

The electric power systems are in a transition to forms of generation that achieve cleaner production. In this regard, a new multi-objective model that helps with the problem of cleaner production investments is presented. The model can obtain convenient solutions where actors with opposed interests are participating. The novelty is the model considers more points of view than the classical approaches of the literature, which only consider a maximum of two actors involved in this field (the new model considers investment costs, greenhouse emissions, and operating costs). Another key contribution is that the real procedures of the generation and transmission stages and the dependences between electrical-natural gas systems are carefully represented and included in the model. It allows obtaining solutions in concordance with the real conditions. The model is applied to the energy system of Argentina by using an epsilon-constraint approach and Mixed Integer Linear Programming formulations. The test system supplies electricity to over 40 million people and neighboring countries. Besides, there is interdependency with the Argentinean Natural Gas system that operates in one of the most extended territories in Latin America. Results indicate that the solutions that are more convenient for all actors represent a mix between renewables and non-renewables technologies. Consequently, this proposal is differentiated from other ones that only consider the expansion concerning renewables technologies. The study reveals decreases in emissions up to 39% and the reduction in production costs up to 12% in comparison with the solution without investments.

Automated summary

A new multi-objective model is proposed to address cleaner production investments, considering the perspectives of various stakeholders. Applied to Argentina's energy system, results show that a mix of renewable and non-renewable technologies provides the most favorable solutions for all parties involved.