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World Decarbonization through Global Electricity Interconnections

Author

Listed:
  • Ettore Bompard

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Daniele Grosso

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Tao Huang

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Francesco Profumo

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Xianzhang Lei

    (Global Energy Interconnection Research Institute Europe GmbH, 10117 Berlin, Germany)

  • Duo Li

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
    Global Energy Interconnection Research Institute Europe GmbH, 10117 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

The challenge of worldwide energy decarbonization is crucial to ensure sustainable development. The achievement of decarbonization encompasses not only a considerable exploitation of renewable energy sources, but also a paradigm shift in final energy uses towards their massive electrification. Electrification based on Global Energy Interconnections (GEI) is one of the possible pathways towards decarbonization in energy systems. In this paper, we critically discuss the idea of decarbonization through global interconnections in an ‘electricity based’ world, contrasting it against the typically desirable attributes for energy in terms of security, efficiency, sustainability, and affordability. We provide a comparative analysis of global interconnection with other internationally proposed visions of future energy scenarios. The analysis shows that the GEI option could be particularly beneficial from an environmental point of view; however, it requests deep and relevant modifications in the energy markets and regulations, in which a common framework based on the cooperation among different countries is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ettore Bompard & Daniele Grosso & Tao Huang & Francesco Profumo & Xianzhang Lei & Duo Li, 2018. "World Decarbonization through Global Electricity Interconnections," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-29, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:7:p:1746-:d:156010
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    2. Feng Shenghao & Philip Adams & Zhang Keyu & Peng Xiujian & Yang Jun, 2020. "Economic Implications of Global Energy Interconnection," Centre of Policy Studies/IMPACT Centre Working Papers g-307, Victoria University, Centre of Policy Studies/IMPACT Centre.
    3. Bompard, Ettore & Ciocia, Alessandro & Grosso, Daniele & Huang, Tao & Spertino, Filippo & Jafari, Mehdi & Botterud, Audun, 2022. "Assessing the role of fluctuating renewables in energy transition: Methodologies and tools," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 314(C).
    4. Marzena Czarnecka & Grzegorz Kinelski & Magdalena Stefańska & Mateusz Grzesiak & Borys Budka, 2022. "Social Media Engagement in Shaping Green Energy Business Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-19, February.
    5. Brinkerink, Maarten & Gallachóir, Brian Ó & Deane, Paul, 2019. "A comprehensive review on the benefits and challenges of global power grids and intercontinental interconnectors," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 274-287.
    6. Bompard, E. & Botterud, A. & Corgnati, S. & Huang, T. & Jafari, M. & Leone, P. & Mauro, S. & Montesano, G. & Papa, C. & Profumo, F., 2020. "An electricity triangle for energy transition: Application to Italy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).

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