The Wind, a Sometimes-Unreliable Friend
Katherina Reiche's power plants using gas are perfectly suited.
Germany's wind energy production is a valuable asset, but it ain't perfect. On average, there are about two periods of low wind each winter, lasting between two and eight days. To cope with this uncertainty, Katherina Reiche, the Minister of Economics, champions the plan to secure up to 20 gigawatts of new gas power plants. But is this move justifiable?
A Praised Proposal: 20 Gigawatts of Power
Werner Goetz, the head of TransnetBW, Baden-Württemberg’s transmission grid operator, defends the 20 GW construction proposal. He views gas power plants as a necessary "fire department" for the energy system, ensuring system stability during emergencies and periods of low renewable energy production. According to Goetz, the ideal distribution of these plants would see one-third in the north and two-thirds in the south of Germany. The proposal has drawing support, with Reiche reportedly on board with this plan.
The Lure of Location
The positioning of these power plants is crucial. They're not just about generating active power consumption but also for system-related purposes such as network restoration, redispatch, and the generation of reactive power. The location of power plants influences their effectiveness in these areas.
A Trade-off Worth Making?
The initial reaction might be that this investment doesn't make financial sense due to the overproduction of energy during certain periods. However, Goetz points out that the focus should shift from solely counting on energy sales. Instead, consider gas power plants as an investment in security, much like maintaining a solid fire department.
Battery Storage: Friend or Foe?
Battery storage might be a more suitable solution for short-term grid fluctuations. But during prolonged periods of low wind or solar production (up to several weeks), these resources may fall short. Battery storage works better in moderate weather variations, while gas power plants are essential for handling those "stormy" energy nights when the weather refuses to cooperate.
Steering the Ship: A Balance of Power
While gas power plants serve as "firefighters" during emergencies, the future lies in investing in cleaner alternatives such as battery storage and hydrogen power. The key is to find a well-rounded balance between these solutions and transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
References:- ntv.de: Gas power plants are on everyone’s lips: How many are needed in Germany?- McCrone, D. (2019, March 12). Offshore wind industry learns to overcome growing pains. S&P Global Platts- Bayer, D. (2019, September 25). 20 GW of Flexible Capacity Needed in Germany by 2030 for Grid Stability. RECHARGE News- Greenpeace (2020). Germany: Progress and obstacles to a 100% renewable energy supply for all- Fthenakis, V. M., Delucchi, M. A., & Bagatzas, T. (2016). The Emissions Savings of Renewable Energy Technologies. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics
- In the ongoing debate about Germany's energy policy, the potential need for up to 20 gigawatts of new gas power plants is at the forefront, with Katherina Reiche advocating for this expansion.
- Werner Goetz, head of TransnetBW, supports the 20 GW construction proposal, viewing gas power plants as essential for system stability during periods of low renewable energy production.
- The location of these power plants is crucial for their effectiveness in network restoration, redispatch, and the generation of reactive power.
- Despite concerns about financial viability due to energy overproduction during certain periods, Goetz proposes viewing gas power plants as investments in security, similar to maintaining a fire department.
- Battery storage might be suitable for short-term grid fluctuations, but during prolonged periods of low wind or solar production, it may fall short.
- As the future unfolds, finding a balance between investing in gas power plants, battery storage, and cleaner alternatives like hydrogen power will be key to achieving a more sustainable energy future.
- This balanced approach should involve a gradual shift away from gas power plants and towards cleaner, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.
- Additionally, policymakers should consider the intersection of energy policy and employment policy, focusing on job creation in the renewable energy sector for sustained development.
