Renewable energies in Scotland and energy storage possibilities: building a theoretical black box model in a closed hybrid energy system

Abstract

Recent years have seen the rise of renewable energy and the use of alternative energy resources. This comes as the solution to the use of fossil fuels – a finite resource with immense adverse effects on the environment. The global effort for climate change mitigation needs immediate action and genuine commitment, if it is to succeed, and hence, the share of renewables into the energy mix should be continuously increased. Scotland is a northern country, part of the UK, which has built itself a reputation of an innovative nation with strong ambition and desire to develop and grow their renewables’ potential. The country has some of the world’s most ambitious targets and an electricity demand almost completely met by renewables. Innovative projects in the fields of low-carbon technologies and energy storage are developed across the entire country, with hydrogen being one of the main focuses of R&D. Energy storage is not a new concept and yet, in the context of renewables it acquires a new meaning with its capacity to bridge the gap between the intermittent nature of most renewable sources and the varying consumers’ demand. Adopting a multi-layered approach, both social sciences and technical analysis of the topic are presented and build up the argument that innovative and creative thinking are needed for the successful implementation of renewables into the energy grid. A case study based on a closed system black box model explores to possibility for developing a hybrid energy system, comprised of on- and offshore wind, tidal power, and hydrogen, in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. The technological advancements are present, it is only a matter of configuring them in such way that they maximise the efficiency and accelerate the energy transition. And for that, it is only needed to think outside the box.