Over 18 months, we have:
- assessed the state of knowledge on network planning and modelling,
- drafted and validated a methodology for the planning process in line with EU targets, and
- pointed out focus areas for improvements and good practices from other processes;
- all while remaining in close dialogue with stakeholders and policymakers.
The final report of the STEERS project picks up our previously published STEERS methodology for implementing smart and efficient energy system integration, the energy efficiency first principle, as well as the improvement of transparency and openness in the planning of energy networks in the European Union. As a final step in the process, the report adds an assessment of the relevance and feasibility of future developments of the TYNDP.
It distinguishes improvements of the TYNDP methodology which seem more relevant to comply with the TEN-E criteria and transparency objectives and which require relatively low, maybe only a one-off effort. Basic improvements regarding transparency and stakeholder involvement along with some basic implementation of open data and open modelling seem particularly attainable but have a high relevance. Also, the use of more varied storylines to reflect the impact of flexibility better seems very relevant and can at least to some degree also be realized with moderate effort.
A concrete example of ‘low-hanging fruit’ with respect to transparency is the improvement of data publication. To showcase the shortcomings of the current procedure in detail, we have compiled a list of all input data and assumption variables for the scenario building. This exercise points out precisely what kind of data is not yet published as accessible and transparent as it is common practice in energy system modelling.
To provide further inspiration, the report includes a list of good practices that have provided valuable insights for the project and cover all the different steps of the TYNDP process. The list includes a number of open models and tools which can either be employed directly in the TYNDP process or can inspire open solutions to be used in the future. We also feature promising instances of stakeholder engagement and some references to indicators included in the cost-benefit analysis.
While the STEERS assessment sees the TYNDP process tackling many of the necessary improvements, the project also still identifies shortcomings with respect to transparency and openness. The material provided in this report and the input provided throughout countless discussions and consultations throughout the project ideally help to bring the process closer to the state of knowledge and common good practices in those dimensions as well.
*In the Project “A Methodology for Implementing Smart and Efficient Energy System Integration” (STEERS) CSEI assesses the methodology of the ten-year network development planning (TYNDP) against the state of knowledge on sector integration and system modelling. By proposing incremental and pragmatic changes, the project aims to contribute to a coherent TYNDP methodology that supports the delivery of a smart and efficient integrated energy system and incorporates energy system integration and energy efficiency throughout.
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