EnergySimCity – Holistic urban energy system analysis and simulation considering existing energy infrastructures and resources

Referring to the Roadmap of the European Commission for a “low-carbon-economy”, 95% of current greenhouse gas emissions should be avoided in 2050. For reaching this aim the transformation of energy supply systems will be necessary as well as a significant reduction in energy demand by changing demand patterns and the use of efficient energy technologies. At the same time the potential of renewable energy technologies should be exhausted without endangering the security of energy supply.

A profound methodological approach for simulation and evaluation of sustainable energy supply systems is lacking in Austria and therefore this is one of the big challenges suppliers and decision makers face regarding the long term implementation of the roadmap.

Within the project “EnergySimCity” the growing importance of integrated system analysis concerning altered energy conversion plants with highly volatile energy feed-in is taken into account.

The R&D activities aim to develop a new method allowing a detailed examination of energy systems following the process chain: generation, distribution, storing and consumption.

Interactions between various energy conversion plants, the energy net (current, gas, heat, cold), storing and (flexible) consumption are in the focus as well as revealing synergies between the systems. Increasing the energy efficiency and reaching significantly higher shares of renewables within the energy mix are further important targets.

The Research Studio Austria will be established as a platform for R&D activities in the field of energy system analysis based on a holistic approach. AEE INTEC and TU Graz – Institute of Thermal Engineering as responsible providers of the platform will in this respect create some benefit for grid operators, urban planners or land-use planners.