Minimization of Variable Renewable Energy Curtailment in an Islanded System using Power-to-Gas Technology: a Reunion Island Case Study

Abstract

This paper shows a case study application of a novel power-to-gas operation simulation optimization model on Reunion Island to demonstrate how variable renewable energy curtailed can be minimized using such technologies. The proposed plant is integrated into a waste management facility to increase the methane production output for electricity generation. Two sizing scenarios are presented for the plant to analyze their operation over the simulated year, investigating the strengths and weaknesses of both. Results show that about 12% of curtailed electricity can be consumed to produce power for roughly 500 residents and increase the biogas plant capacity by 6%, using feedstocks that would have otherwise been discarded.