Towards a Unified Modelling Approach for Optimizing the Energy System of the Society

The increasing complexity of energy systems, made greater by the use of renewable sources and associated storage systems, increases the need of models capable of predicting the best evolution of the energy system of domestic or industrial districts, cities, regions, countries, etc. toward forms that are more in harmony with the natural processes and make sustainable development for future generations. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate, with examples of applications, how any forecasting regarding the best management or installation of new energy conversion or storage capacity requires a comprehensive view. Thus, it cannot disregard an integrated modeling of the conversion processes taking place in its generation and storage units and distribution networks, as well as of a correct way to predict the uncertain availability of energy sources and energy consumption of the users. Such modeling must be accurate, but at the same time simple, given the very large number of variables involved. If carbon emission reduction is acknowledged as a necessary goal, it cannot be separated from the necessary pursuit of parallel goals, such as maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs. The optimization approach must therefore be multi-objective since the "best for a society" requires that many aspects be considered simultaneously. From this point of view, the paper does not pretend to give definitive answers but aims to demonstrate with application examples how, given one or more objective functions, the integrated optimization enables the identification of priority choices to be made in system design and operation for a better transition to a more decarbonized system.