On the role of H₂ storage and conversion for wind power production in the Netherlands

Mixed integer linear programming (MILP) is the state-of-the-art mathematical framework for optimization of energy systems. The capability of solving rather large problems that include time and space discretization is particularly relevant for planning the transition to a system where non-dispatchable energy sources are key. Here, one of the main challenges is to realistically describe the technologies and the system boundaries: on the one hand the linear modeling, and on the other the number of variables that can be handled by the system call for a trade-off between level of details and computational time. With this work, we investigate how modeling wind turbines, H₂ generation via electrolysis, and storage in salt cavern affect the system description and findings. We do this by implementing methodological developments to an existing MILP tool, and by testing them in an exemplary case study, i.e. decarbonization of the Dutch energy system. It is found that modeling of wind turbines curtailment and of existing turbines are key. The deployment of H2 generation and storage is driven by the interplay between area availability, system costs, and desired level of autarky.