engleski

Analysis of hydropower impact in water energy nexus for smart energy systems

Following goals to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent, sustainable development of energy and water sector is gaining more recognition in research field. Complex connection between water and energy sectors in current models and frameworks is fostering a greater research of water, energy, food, and environment linkage. However, the research studies state that the heuristic approach is important for maximization of opportunities in both water and energy systems, to increase energy efficiency in the water sector, extract more energy from available water sources, while reducing the negative effect on the environment. As part of the research, actual data on river flows in Croatia were collected, and a comparative analysis was performed with available simulated data from the LISFLOOD model. A model of the energy sector has been created that defines the operation of hydropower plants in more detail. Available water resources are divided into the natural flow of the river needed to account for the environmental approach, the needs for additional sectors such as agriculture and water supply, and the energy sector as the need to provide electricity generation. Forecasts for future hydrologic conditions were observed, and the assumed development of the Croatian energy system was taken into account, which includes new hydropower capacities, but also other energy sources. Also, the impact of new solar and wind capacities on hydropower generation was observed.

water-energy nexus, hydropower generation, renewable energy sources, linear programming

nije evidentirano