Development of the model BalmorelLite

Many countries without first hand experiences with wind energy production are under the impression that the cost of integrating wind turbines in the electricity system is very high. This results in a skepticism towards wind turbines in energy planning, and sometimes also very strict requirements to wind turbine owners, for example with regards to establishing back-up capacity.

The aim of this project was to illustrate the actual integration cost in an educational and analytical manner. To this end, a simple energy model was developed, which allowed for assessment of the cost of integrating wind power (and possibly also solar power) in different types of energy systems.

The model was based on the Balmorel electricity and power model, which Ea Energy Analyses has used for a large number of analyses in Denmark and internationally, and was therefore named BalmorelLite.

The model illustrated both challenges and solutions. The ambition was a high level of user-friendliness and a high calculation speed, so the model could be applied for “on-the-spot” calculations. The primary target group for the model was representatives from energy companies and governments in non-OECD countries.

The model could be used for estimating wind integration costs in different types of energy systems and thereby get a qualified input to least-cost-of-energy calculations. Other outputs were data on the production pattern of a typical week and duration curves.

In addition to an assessment of integration costs, the model also provided information on the resulting changes in the CO₂ emission of the system.

Read more about the model on the website BalmorelLite.dk.