Implications of intercontinental renewable electricity trade for energy systems and emissions

Fei Guo, Bas J. Ruijven (), Behnam Zakeri, Shining Zhang, Xing Chen, Changyi Liu, Fang Yang, Volker Krey, Keywan Riahi, Han Huang and Yuanbing Zhou
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Fei Guo: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Bas J. Ruijven: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Behnam Zakeri: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Shining Zhang: Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO)
Xing Chen: Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO)
Changyi Liu: Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO)
Fang Yang: Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO)
Volker Krey: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Keywan Riahi: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Han Huang: Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO)
Yuanbing Zhou: Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO)

Nature Energy, 2022, vol. 7, issue 12, 1144-1156

Abstract: Abstract A rapid global energy transition, including the ramping up of electricity generation from renewables, is needed to limit global warming to 2 °C or 1.5 °C. However, renewable resource endowments vary widely between regions, and renewable electricity is currently mainly used locally. Here we use a global integrated assessment model to explore the implications of renewable electricity trade via a set of planned direct-current-type ultra-high-voltage (UHVDC) transmission lines for global energy transition and climate change. We find that renewable electricity trade across large world regions via the underlying UHVDC interconnection can boost renewable electricity production and reduce 2020–2100 cumulative CO2 emissions from the power sector up to 9.8%. Financial investments in the UHVDC lines are offset in the long term by reduced investments in other electricity-generation options, including nuclear and storage. Finally, we find that renewable electricity trade can substantially reduce air pollutant emissions in importing regions.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41560-022-01136-0

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