@misc{SgarciuScholzMuesgens, author = {Sgarciu, Smaranda and Scholz, Daniel and M{\"u}sgens, Felix}, title = {How CO2 prices accelerate decarbonisation - The case of coal-fired generation in Germany}, series = {Energy Policy}, volume = {173}, journal = {Energy Policy}, issn = {0301-4215}, doi = {10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113375}, abstract = {This paper analyses the potential impact of the world's two main coal phase-out instruments: 1) direct regulatory intervention restricting the operation of existing coal-fired generation capacity and prohibiting investment in new capacity and 2) market-based CO2-pricing instruments that make emission-intensive coal-fired generation less competitive. We quantify these instruments' potential effects in the empirical setting of Germany, where both instruments are employed concurrently. However, this paper's approach and methodology can be applied in any jurisdiction or energy system worldwide. Our paper provides quantitative results with a pan-European partial-equilibrium electricity system model. The model applies an innovative three-step approach. Step 1 solves an investment and dispatch problem with reduced technical and temporal complexity for European countries. Step 2 computes the dispatch problem at a bihourly resolution and step 3 solves the investment and dispatch problem for Germany with increased technical complexity. Our results confirm that both a regulated phase-out as well as a price on CO2 emissions can reduce the amount of coal-fired generation in an electricity system. If CO2 prices remain at current levels, coal-fired power plants leave the market significantly before the regulated phase-out date, reducing demand for employees in the Lusatian lignite industry. Regions and federal governments should take this finding into account when planning and preparing for structural change.}, language = {en} } @misc{AhsenSgarciuGallego, author = {Ahsen, Syed Subhan and Sgarciu, Smaranda and Gallego, Alberto}, title = {Multi-Stage Stochastic Optimization for Battery Energy Storage Systems in the Iberian market}, series = {2nd International Conference on Energy Transition in the Mediterranean Area (SyNERGY MED), Thessaloniki 17-19 October 2022}, journal = {2nd International Conference on Energy Transition in the Mediterranean Area (SyNERGY MED), Thessaloniki 17-19 October 2022}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {Piscataway, NJ}, isbn = {978-1-6654-6107-8}, doi = {10.1109/SyNERGYMED55767.2022.9941438}, pages = {1 -- 6}, abstract = {Operators seek to achieve economic objectives when dispatching assets in electricity markets subject to asset's technical as well as market constraints. To ensure optimal operation in energy markets, the parametric uncertainty of key market drivers such as wholesale and balancing services prices should be investigated. The research problem to be covered in the paper deals with the revenue maximization of a price-taker battery storage power plant participating in competitive wholesale electricity and balancing markets. The paper uses a multi-stage optimization approach to model uncertainty of a battery energy storage system participating in the Spanish Market. The study reveals that a significant benefit of using stochastic solution (over 5 percent) is obtained when the role of battery energy storage system is analyzed for 2020.}, language = {en} } @misc{SgarciuMuesgensOsorioetal., author = {Sgarciu, Smaranda and M{\"u}sgens, Felix and Osorio, Sebastian and Pahle, Michael}, title = {Is Germany on track to achieve 2030 climate and energy targets?}, series = {List Forum f{\"u}r Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik}, volume = {49}, journal = {List Forum f{\"u}r Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik}, issn = {2364-3943}, doi = {10.1007/s41025-023-00255-0}, pages = {93 -- 107}, abstract = {The future development of CO2emissions in the German electricity sector by 2030 is unclear: On the one hand, the amendment to the Climate Protection Act (from August 2021) aims to tighten emission reduction targets in order to promote the path to a decarbonised energy system. On the other hand, the complex interplay between the main instruments for reducing carbon emissions, fuel prices and the current energy shortage as a result of Russia's attack on Ukraine is creating pressure for an increase in emissions. In our study, we examine whether Germany is on track to achieve its climate protection targets for 2030 and which measures can increase the likelihood. To do this, we use an energy system model parameterized to reflect the situation in the energy market in 2021, i.e. before Russia's attack on Ukraine. In addition to the quantitative side, we provide a qualitative analysis of the energy market in the light of recent events. We stress the importance of introducing a carbon price floor that can be dynamically changed in response to the development of other market forces and policies. This instrument would institutionalize a more plausible path to decarbonization and provide reassurance to investors.}, language = {en} } @misc{RiepinSgarciuBerneckeretal., author = {Riepin, Iegor and Sgarciu, Smaranda and Bernecker, Maximilian and M{\"o}bius, Thomas and M{\"u}sgens, Felix}, title = {Grok It and Use It: Teaching Energy Systems Modeling}, series = {SSRN eLibrary}, journal = {SSRN eLibrary}, issn = {1556-5068}, doi = {10.2139/ssrn.4320978}, abstract = {This article details our experience developing and teaching an "Energy Systems Modeling" course, which sought to introduce graduate-level students to operations research, energy economics, and system modeling using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). In this paper, we focus on (i) the mathematical problems discussed in the course, (ii) the energy-related empirical interpretations of these mathematical problems, and (iii) the best teaching practices (i.e., our experiences regarding how to make the content interesting and accessible for students).}, language = {en} }