Designing a local carbon neutral energy system via multi energy system optimisation - a case study of Utrecht University

Abstract

In the Energy Agenda of the Province of Utrecht, Utrecht Science Park is designated as experimental area for sustainable energy, which aims to develop a self-sufficient energy supply system. Utrecht University, owner of Utrecht Science Park, wants to accelerate the energy transition and therefore has the ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030. Currently, the system operates for a small share on renewable energy technologies. This study examines two scenarios for a self-sufficient energy system compliant with the goal of 2030; at which (I) Utrecht University operates as end user of electricity and (II) Utrecht University operates as end user of electricity and heat. These two scenarios contain multiple sub-scenarios, for which optimisation designs are modelled through Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). Key ?findings of the performed energy system optimisations for the different scenarios are; scenario (I) full decarbonisation could be achieved, while for scenario (II) this was unfeasible. In this process an existing MILP tool for multi energy system optimisation is used. The designs are optimised in terms of total annual costs and CO2 emissions. Along the Pareto front the optimised designs are evaluated on cost, technology sizes and storage distribution. Subsequently, the need for seasonal storage and the most favourable renewable energy technologies for a decarbonised energy system is examined. An additional analysis is performed to indicate under which circumstances Utrecht University should contribute to the geothermal project which is currently in research phase. Finally, the sensitivity of the systems costs is analysed.