Role of flexibility in achieving a decarbonized Nordic energy system by 2050

Abstract

Carbon neutrality targets are driving demand for new renewable energy generation, which in turn increases demand for flexibility resources. This paper studies the demand for and role of flexibility in two decarbonization pathways for Finland. In both pathways, highly electrified energy systems reach carbon neutrality by 2035 and full decarbonization by 2050. The high share of wind energy in the scenarios is supported by demand-side flexibility, short-term supply-side flexibility from batteries, and long-term supply-side flexibility from power-to-gas-to-power generation. Based on the results, full decarbonization is possible and carbon neutrality can be enabled by electrification, carbon neutral energy generation, and flexibility resources.