Leipzig University presented research from SPARCS at the 19th edition of the International Conference on European Energy Markets (EEM) hosted by LUT University from June 6 to 8, 2023. About 250 scientists and industry experts presented and discussed their latest research in keynotes and paper sessions. Simon Johanning, Nancy Retzlaff, Hendrik Kondziella, Philipp Lerch, and Karl Specht from the University of Leipzig presented the latest findings from case studies related to SPARCS.

Each day started with keynotes from leading experts of the Nordic energy system, such as Fingrid, Fortum, Wärtsilä or Neste that have underscored the large potential for additional green electricity in Finland within the next decade. The scientific part was organized in six paper sessions with several tracks that span a wide range of topics, e.g., local energy markets, ancillary services, energy scenarios, or distribution grids.

The research related to SPARCs is based on actions L6-3 (district heating) and L18-3 (virtual energy community). Karl Specht presented “Scenarios for the decarbonization of district heating: the case of Leipzig”. This study derives the levelized cost of heat (LCOH) for exemplary post-fossil transformation paths. Accordingly, four generation portfolios are proposed based on different energy carriers such as (1) natural gas with carbon capture and storage, (2) hydrogen, (3) mix of renewable energy sources, and (4) electricity. The modeling environment IRP_opt was used to optimize the hourly economic dispatch. Highlights of the study are the wide range of technologies investigated in combination with a thorough sensitivity analysis regarding fuel price variability.

In his talk, Hendrik Kondziella focused on the contribution of virtual power plants (VPP) and energy communities to establish positive energy districts. In particular, the optimal customer behaviour in response to flexible electricity tariffs is analyzed. A techno-economic energy system model is proposed for a case study in Leipzig that optimizes the customer cost and the VPP’s margin. Subsequently, the model determines the impact of different electricity tariffs on market supply for customers and the VPP. The results show that PEDs can be supported by a proper design of the variable electricity tariff.

The research results are valuable for the technical partners in SPARCs working on the implementation of new business models in the areas of “Green district heating” and “Dynamic tariffs”. The methodology applied is also available for replication in the SPARCS fellow cities.

The conference papers will be published in the coming months and can be retrieved on request from the authors. Keynote presentations and presentations from Special Sessions are now available from the conference website.