By Wouter Parys, Researcher, VUB.

In this article the VUB team shares its preliminary results from the Energy System modelling done on the dutch flagship valley in Alkmaar. The REFORMERS flagship energy valley is the southern part of the Dutch city of Alkmaar. This energy valley is an around 11 square kilometres diverse region with a dense urban residential area, an industrialized area and a rural – partly agricultural, partly residential – area. At the end of the REFORMERS project – in 2028 – the valley will have abundant sources of renewable energy with wind, solar, biomass and waste heat to make the region energy positive for the full thermal and electrical needs.

When envisioning future scenario’s for a valley of this size, energy system modelling will help understand the complex energetic system behaviour and thus how different specific actions (investments in new energy assets or implementing new operational strategies) will impact the bigger picture in terms of CO2 emissions and global energetic behaviour. A region wide model is build up based on the most recent historical data (year 2023) of electricity, natural gas and heat for both consumption and production to support the REFORMERS decision making.

The Alkmaar flagship energy model has delivered its first major results:

• Up to 70% reduction of total CO2 emissions as a result of  the planned bio-methane production biomass waste streams, new connections to the district heating system and an increase in solar PV capacity. 

• Increase from 25% up to 76% self-sufficiency over a full year with locally produced renewable energy at the time of consumption due to the foreseen new developments in the energy valley.

• 7 MWh of new battery capacity would result in the increase of the direct local consumption of locally produced solar electricity with 5-10% when doubling the current solar PV capacity.

• However the electricity grid is highly congested in most of the energy valley, it is possible to double the installed solar capacity with a very limited impact on the grid capacity needs if the location is chosen strategically.

These preliminary modelling results show how the REFORMERS flagship region is ready to be transformed in a highly sustainable energy valley.

Visit the project website at www.reformers-energyvalleys.eu and follow their social media page on LinkedIn for latest updates, or get in contact at info@reformers-energyvalleys.eu