Techno-economic evaluation of the impact of the HVDC SA.CO.I. 3 project interconnector: a preliminary zonal analysis in a European perspective

摘要

In view of the ambitious decarbonisation targets set in Europe for 2030 and beyond, the integration of an increased penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) will require extensive electricity system expansion and investment. This covers especially electricity grids, as well as supporting technologies and measures that are able to ensure a clean, secure, flexible and efficient energy supply. In particular, the development of adequate transmission infrastructures and the use of innovative technologies will play a critical role in supporting RES integration. A key technological option is represented by HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) transmission. Recent advances in power electronics technology, coupled with the traditional features of HVDC, may contribute to boost the penetration of HVDC for further applications and increase system flexibility and controllability. Among the different HVDC projects that concern the Italian power system, the one regarding the planned rehabilitation of SA.CO.I. multi-terminal infrastructure, linking Sardinia, Corsica and continental Italy, for realizing the so-called SA.CO.I. 3, is very peculiar. In this framework, the present paper investigates and analyses the main techno-economic benefits that may derive in a European perspective by the implementation of the new SA.CO.I. in a 2030 time horizon. To do this, upon the build-up of suitable provisional scenarios and models for the pan-European system, a simulation tool for hourly OPF (Optimal Power Flow) calculation has been applied for zonal analysis. The results provide a preliminary proof of the effectiveness and important impact that the new infrastructure may have on the pan-European system at 2030, especially in presence of high RES penetration towards the fulfilment of climate and energy sustainability targets.