Transforming the electricity generation of the Berlin–Brandenburg region, Germany

We present possible steps for Germany's capital region for a pathway towards high-level renewable energy contributions. To this end, we give an overview of the current energy policy and status of electricity generation and demand of two federal states: the capital city Berlin and the surrounding state of Brandenburg. In a second step we present alternative, feasible scenarios with focus on the years 2020 and 2030. All scenarios were numerically evaluated in hourly time steps using a cost optimisation approach. The required installed capacities in an 80% renewables scenario in the year 2020 consist of 8.8 GW wind energy, 4.8 GW photovoltaics, 0.4 GWel bioenergy, 0.6 GWel methanation and a gas storage capacity of 180 GWhth. In order to meet a renewable electricity share of 100% in 2030, approximately 9.5 GW wind energy, 10.2 GW photovoltaics and 0.4 GWel bioenergy will be needed, complemented by a methanation capacity of about 1.5 GWel and gas storage of about 530 GWhth. In 2030, an additional 11 GWhel of battery storage capacity will be required. Approximately 3 GW of thermal gas power plants will be necessary to cover the residual load in both scenarios. Furthermore, we studied the transmission capacities of extra-high voltage transmission lines in a second simulation and found them to be sufficient for the energy distribution within the investigated region.