Decarbonizing energy end-uses in semi-isolated islands via renewable and nuclear integration: The Balearic Islands by 2040

Abstract

The current study underscores the critical importance of transitioning to clean electricity generation to meet current global decarbonization targets, applying it to the case of the Balearic Archipelago. Therefore, an energy generation system designed with the objective of decarbonizing the Balearic economy by 2040 is proposed. The optimized system combines renewable energy sources, a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) subsystem, and electric grid integration between the archipelago islands with the Spanish mainland grid. The renewable generation comprises solar PV, wind, and biomass components. Additionally, there is a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery subsystem for system management, a system that is vital for coupling generation and demand. Moreover, the system integrates hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier for hard-to-abate applications, facilitating net-zero greenhouse gases across all energy-consuming sectors. Hydrogen production requires significant electrolyzer capacity and utilizes electricity surpluses and water supplies. Despite requiring significant investments in generation sources and storage infrastructure throughout its lifecycle, the system remains highly competitive while achieving a substantial level of decarbonization during its operational phase and maintaining this reduction throughout the entire system's lifecycle. The estimated levelized cost of electricity for the whole system is approximately 9 c€/kWh.