Electrification

Renewable electricity appears as the most promising alternative to replace fossil fuels in most applications in order to reduce GHG emissions. Moreover, it constitutes a virtually unlimited resource that is present in some form almost everywhere. However, there are different implementation alternatives, depending e.g. on the renewable source that is used, the market conditions, the possibility to store energy locally, or to export it to other places. Finding the most suitable pathway for the electrification of a certain application is usually a complex optimization problem.

Our group aims to conduct research on the system aspects of Electrification, in order to understand the interactions between the different components within the system that is electrified, and the electric grid. This allows to evaluate different electrification pathways, identifying potential barriers as well as the corresponding mitigating actions. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the transition to achieve UN SDG 7: Ensure access to clean, affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy to all.

There are many applications suitable of electrification, such as:

• Transport: electrification is the preferred alternative for most road transport, both passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles. Electric ferries are already in used for short distances and electric flights are being tested for small and medium aircraft. Railway is, in many places, largely electrified already. For transport electrification to succeed, an effective and reliable charging infrastructure is required.
• Agriculture: farm electrification can take advantage of local electricity production and storage, potentially resulting in a lower cost than conventional diesel-powered operations without compromising productivity.
• Mining: besides the advantages mentioned for agriculture, the electrification of machines in underground mines results in a phenomenal reduction of the energy needs associated with ventilation.