Abstract

The optimal planning of energy-intensive sectors necessitates a coordinated approach, where sectors interact and make informed decisions in response to one another. This becomes particularly critical in transitioning to renewable energy sources, which, due to their intermittent nature, challenge the flexibility typically offered by conventional fossil-based generators. Thus, integrated energy planning emerges as a key strategy to effectively manage and optimize these interdependencies. 

In this context, we first investigate the co-optimization of a renewable power-water system, emphasizing the advantages of integrated modeling over traditional isolated approaches. Our analysis compares the performance of systems modeled with endogenous demand changes—where demand is responsive to the operational state of the overall system—against systems sing static exogenous demand curves. 

We then extend this integrated planning framework to include a heating sector and cogeneration technologies. By incorporating the concept of extreme days—days with exceptionally high or low energy demand or renewable resource availability—we assess their impact on the planning and operation of these interconnected systems. This ensures that the models are robust and capable of handling the variability and stress conditions that may characterize renewable energy systems. 

Finally, we expand the scope of the co-optimization model to include renewable hydrogen production and e-fuels, examining their potential within the broader energy ecosystem. By integrating these emerging technologies into the model, we evaluate how different sector interactions affect the levelized cost of production for power, water, heat, hydrogen, and e-fuels. Our findings provide insights into the cost efficiencies and synergies achievable through integrated cross-sector planning.