| dc.description.abstract | Currently, the transport sector is responsible for 21% of global CO2 emissions with road transport accounting for the majority. In order to achieve global climate goals, it is of paramount importance that the road transport sector is electrified. Consequently, the electrification of transport is a pillar in the Icelandic climate plans. Through the electrification of transport the Icelandic government aims to reduce GHG emissions, dependency on foreign oil imports, and make progress towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. In order to explore the impact of EVs on the Icelandic grid, three EV growth Scenarios were developed based on population projections and future vehicle ownership. It was found that in 2050, the electricity demand from EVs will increase the general electricity demand by 0.7 to 1.1 TWh depending on the Scenario, leading to a general electricity demand of 7.8 to 8.2 TWh compared to 5.2 TWh in the Reference Scenario. The electricity demand is mainly located in the Capital Region which is inhabited by almost 65% of the total population. Moreover, EVs impact not only electricity demand but also power system stability and reliability of the electricity grid. Analysis of the reliability of the Icelandic grid made evident that the current grid is not able to cope with this increase without additional generation capacity. At present, the available transmission capacity is limited and the ageing infrastructure is susceptible to adverse weather conditions. This is studied in the West Fjords extensively since this region experiences the weakest reliability and security of electricity supply. Electricity supply in this region is severely affected by adverse weather conditions, not self-sufficient in electricity generation, and depends on one transmission line for almost 40% of the region’s electricity imports. It is argued that the current strategies to reinforce the grid will not be sufficient in this region and that more localised solutions are needed. Through a multi-criteria analysis a hydropower plant, V2G technology, and micro-grid with distributed energy resources were assessed on their ability to improve the reliability and security of electricity supply and to accommodate for future electricity demand increases. It was found that local electricity generation and distribution combined with utilising the balancing and ancillary services from EVs would improve the reliability and security of electricity supply in the West Fjords by 2050. | |
