Energy System Optimization Modelling and Electrical Grid Management: The Case of Italy

Global awareness of the need to decrease environmental impacts and the critical increase in the costs of traditional energy sources have motivated many countries to develop sustainable strategies based on the increasing use of renewables in their energy mix. Therefore, the way in which pathways towards a sustainable energy transition will be designed plays a central role for global sustainability. The energy planning is fundamental to ensure a sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy mix. In this context, energy system optimization models rise as accurate tools to support decision-making in energy efficiency and energy management. The aim of this paper is to review and update an optimization cost model for the energy mix planning and the electric grid management and its application to the Italian scenario. Considering a mid-term horizon from 2023 to 2030, the proposed case study considers a significant subset of the existing power plants and connections currently operating in Italy. Furthermore, the probable electricity demand, fuel cost, and carbon price profiles until 2030 are included as well as the main features of the renewables and fossil fuel plants. The results include the optimal production mix planning, the energy flows analysis, and the identification of critical energy areas.