Integration of the Iberian Natural Gas Infrastructure into the European Energy Transition to Renewable Sources

Abstract

The natural gas is broadly envisaged as a transition fuel in the energy decarbonisation. However, demand scenarios to 2050 differs largely depending on the share captured in the power generation and transport sectors. In such an uncertain context, an intertemporal spatial equilibrium model is implemented, to optimize the deployment of the future EU infrastructures over the period 2015-2050. The Iberian sub region is emphasized, so that the role of its regasification capacity and the interconnection with the rest of the EU is stated. As a result, additional investments on regasification plants are not required, provided that the EU- Iberian interconnection is properly expanded, in line with the planned project MIDCAT.

Keywords

• optimization
• natural gas
• transport infrastructure
• planning