Cross-sectoral integration for increased penetration of renewable energy sources in the energy system – Unlocking the flexibility potential of maritime transport electrification

The creation of smart energy systems is essential for the energy transition of the European Union. Electrification and smart integration of maritime transport with the power system is becoming highly important in order to successfully decarbonise maritime transportation and increase the possibility for the integration of renewable energy sources. This study presents a novel method for the analysis of maritime transportation integration with the power system. The method includes a novel model for electric ships that include all relevant engine, ship route and energy storage system aspects. By including the ship charging variable it is possible to connect the model to the distribution grid. The method provides the possibility to analyse the impact of maritime integration for different connection options and with the different shares of renewable energy sources present in the system. The study found that such smart integration can have a positive impact on the overall smart energy system. In particular, the smart integration of maritime transport with the power grid led to the reduction of curtailed energy by 3.9 MWh in the Kvarner archipelago for the maximum analysed penetration of renewable energy sources.