Different Technologies’ Impacts on the Economic Viability, Energy Flows and Emissions of Energy Communities

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide insights regarding the economic viability of and energy flows within a renewable energy community based on a linear optimisation model with peer-to-peer electricity trading. Different technologies, such as PV, heat pumps, electric vehicles, and a community battery storage, are modelled. With the objective of achieving a cost-optimal solution for the whole community, the individual impacts of different technologies, as well as their permutations, are investigated. Therefrom, financial and environmental advantages and disadvantages for individual participants and the whole community can be derived. The results indicate that customers who are equipped with a combination of PV systems, heat pumps, and EVs achieve better individual results compared to those with lower levels of technology. Especially when heat pumps are involved, the amounts of PV electricity generated can be used with high efficiency, increasing the benefits of energy community participation. Moreover, the higher the level of electricity-based technologies within the community is, the lower the conventional grid feed-in becomes. An additional implementation of a community battery storage can further reduce these amounts and, thus, the grid burden. Apart from the financial benefits, the installation of additional assets and, thus, reduced grid feed-in contribute to the reduction of CO2-emissions. This study’s results can aid in making decisions regarding investments and energy community composition, as well as in the funding decisions of policymakers.