Power Transmission
Strategic connections between EU/MENA grids
Increasing electricity demand in the Middle East and North Africa, the integration of the European energy market and new small- and large-scale renewable energy power generation facilities will require large grid infrastructure investments in the coming decades. Dii not only examines the existing electricity grids according to their suitability for the future, but also identifies potential bottlenecks and selects the best transmission technologies. Within the scope of its work, Dii is also working on scenarios for the structure of the EU-MENA electricity grid and related investment propositions.
Accurate information regarding mid- and long term electricity generation plans is required in order to plan the relevant transmission investments. Consequently, Dii closely monitors trends and scenarios for electricity generation both in the EU and MENA countries. For long-distance transport, high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) transmission lines are an established form of technology today. Electrical losses for long distance transport increase generation cost in remote areas and therefore are an important cost factor. Loses are not expected to exceed 3% /1,000 km in the mid-term. Permitting procedures across borders need to be harmonized and simplified in order to install a comprehensive transnational grid infrastructure. Organising adequate financing, allocating costs according to the benefits of new lines and defining security standards in common grid codes are also crucial elements of transnational transmission projects. Finally, the installation of a EUMENA-wide Supergrid, which systematically connects distant regions through electricity highways, is being carefully evaluated. A supergrid would help balance intermittent renewable energy generation and reduce the need for storage capacities. Large-scale infrastructure projects cannot be implemented without public acceptance. Therefore means to enhance transparency, efficient and comprehensive planning and authorization of such projects are a particular focus of Dii’s analysis.
