PyPSA-GB: An open-source model of Great Britain’s power system for simulating future energy scenarios

Abstract

This paper presents PyPSA-GB, a dataset and model of Great Britain’s (GB) power system encompassing historical years and the future energy scenarios developed by National Grid. It is the first fully open-source model implementation of the future GB power system with high spatial and temporal resolution, and data for future years up to 2050. Two power dispatch formulations can be optimised: (i) single bus unit commitment problem, and (ii) network constrained linear optimal power flow. The model is showcased through an example analysis of quantifying future wind curtailment in Scotland. PyPSA-GB provides an open-source basis for GB operational and planning studies, e.g., sector coupling and flexibility options.

Keywords

• Power system modelling
• Open-source energy modelling
• Future energy scenarios
• Energy storage
• Curtailment