This paper examines how transatlantic interconnection could help both North America and Europe to achieve a more secure and efficient transition to renewable electricity.
Ember has consistently been a strong advocate for interconnectors as a key tool to help facilitate a faster shift to renewable electricity.
The future electricity grids of North America and Europe will be increasingly impacted by weather as they seek to decarbonise their energy systems.
This paper explores the weather complementarity between the two grids and concludes there is substantial value in interconnection, which can help provide security and efficiency between the energy systems of these two continents.
Specifically:
- The enduring impact of the six-hour time zone difference on electricity demand and solar production.
- The offset from uncorrelated wind conditions, and – for the windiest days – a possible negative correlation as weather systems sweep across the Atlantic.
- The offset from uncorrelated hot and cold days and of yearly rain systems.
In their quest for cheaper energy prices, security of supply and decarbonisation, transatlantic interconnection could be a valuable tool. Despite the high capital cost, it could be cheaper than other tools being considered by policymakers, such as nuclear and hydrogen.
We conclude that decision makers should further investigate transatlantic interconnection.
