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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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CAES Future Scenarios: An Investment Analysis for Denmark

Translated title

Fremtidige CAES scenarier: En investeringsanalyse for Danmark

Author

Term

10. term

Publication year

2006

Pages

67

Abstract

Denne afhandling undersøger, om komprimeret luft-energilagring (CAES) kan blive en omkostningseffektiv fleksibilitetsløsning for Danmark i takt med en stigende andel af vedvarende energi. CAES kan på forsyningsskala være mere gennemførlig end andre lagringsteknologier, men kræver stor volatilitet i elpriserne for at kunne drives rentabelt; historisk har de store vandkraftkapaciteter i Norden dæmpet prisudsvingene. Arbejdet omfatter en teknisk model af et CAES-anlæg, udviklet ud fra komponentanalyse og litteratur, herunder erfaringer fra eksisterende anlæg, samt en markedsorienteret driftsstrategi. Der opstilles teknologi- og elprisscenarier med udgangspunkt i prisdata og tidsserier (bl.a. IPLE-rapporten) for fremtidige perioder, og investeringsmuligheder vurderes på tværs af kapaciteter med nøgletal som netto-nutidsværdi og årlig indtjening. Resultaterne indikerer, at avancerede, højeffektive CAES-anlæg kan blive økonomisk mulige så tidligt som i 2012, hvis prisvolatiliteten øges tilstrækkeligt. Tidsmæssige begrænsninger har reduceret detaljeringsgraden i simuleringerne, men modellen kan danne grundlag for videre studier.

This thesis examines whether compressed air energy storage (CAES) can become a cost-effective, utility-scale flexibility option for Denmark as the share of renewable electricity grows. CAES offers strong feasibility compared with other storage technologies but relies on substantial electricity price volatility; historically, large Nordic hydro capacities have dampened price swings. The study develops a technical model of a CAES plant, informed by component-level analysis and literature on existing installations, and designs a market-oriented operating strategy. It explores technology and electricity price scenarios using price data and time series (including the IPLE report) for future periods, and assesses investment feasibility across plant capacities using metrics such as net present value and annual profit. Findings indicate that advanced, high-efficiency CAES plants could be economically viable as early as 2012, provided sufficient price volatility. Time constraints limited the detail of simulations, but the model offers a foundation for further work.

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