ESM-Regio - Simulation and Optimization of Regional Energy Systems in Carbon-Neutral Scenarios

Aigner KM, Bazan P, Bottler S, Burlacu R, Bölting B, Elhaus N, Karl J, Liers-Bergmann F, Luna-Jaspe Roa N, Markolf K, Maurer E, Pruckner M, Scharrer D, Strobel L, Weindl C, German R (2025)

Publication Language: English

Publication Status: Submitted

Publication Type: Unpublished / Preprint

Future Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7878317/v1

Open Access Link: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-7878317/v1

Abstract

This work presents a high-resolution, sector-coupled energy system modeling framework developed within the research project ESM-Regio, designed to analyze regional energy transitions in the context of Germany’s 2045 climate targets. The framework operates on the medium-voltage level at a 15-minute temporal resolution and is designed to analyze regions ranging city to county (NUTS-3 level). The electricity, heat, transport, and gas sectors are integrated into the framework using a component-based simulation architecture. All sectors are represented with sectoral submodels which are iteratively coupled through alternating simulation and mixed-integer optimization stages to minimize operational system costs while accounting for technical grid constraints and asset aging. The methodology is applied to the distribution grid area of the regional utility Stadtwerke Bayreuth, for three representative weeks in each of the years 2019, 2030, and 2045. The results highlight the increasing importance of coordinated flexibility—such as building thermal inertia, battery storage, and electric vehicles—in mitigating grid stress under increased electrification. However, we find that while intelligent flexibility usage can reduce the need for grid expansion, it can not completely eliminate it in the carbon-neutral 2045 scenarios. The presented framework offers a scalable, data-driven approach to assess the impacts of sector coupling and to support infrastructure and regional energy transition planning aligned with national decarbonization goals.

Authors with CRIS profile

Kevin-Martin Aigner Department of Data Science Peter Bazan Computer Science 7 (Computer Networks and Communication Systems) Nora Elhaus Lehrstuhl für Energieverfahrenstechnik (EVT) Jürgen Karl Lehrstuhl für Energieverfahrenstechnik (EVT) Frauke Liers-Bergmann Professur für Optimization under Uncertainty & Data Analysis Natalia Luna-Jaspe Roa Lehrstuhl für Energieverfahrenstechnik (EVT) Daniel Scharrer Computer Science 7 (Computer Networks and Communication Systems) Reinhard German Computer Science 7 (Computer Networks and Communication Systems)

Involved external institutions

Stadtwerke Bayreuth Holding GmbH DE Germany (DE) Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Coburg DE Germany (DE) Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen (IIS) DE Germany (DE) Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg DE Germany (DE) Energieagentur Nordbayern GmbH DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Aigner, K.-M., Bazan, P., Bottler, S., Burlacu, R., Bölting, B., Elhaus, N.,... German, R. (2025). ESM-Regio - Simulation and Optimization of Regional Energy Systems in Carbon-Neutral Scenarios. (Unpublished, Submitted).

MLA:

Aigner, Kevin-Martin, et al. ESM-Regio - Simulation and Optimization of Regional Energy Systems in Carbon-Neutral Scenarios. Unpublished, Submitted. 2025.

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