Fig. 5: Effect of import cost variations on system cost savings and import shares with all vectors allowed and unconstrained import volume.
From: Green energy and steel imports reduce Europe’s net-zero infrastructure needs
In (a, b), indicated relative import cost changes are applied uniformly to all vectors. In (c, d), cost changes are applied uniformly to all vectors but electricity imports. In (e, f), cost changes are only applied to carbonaceous fuels (methane, methanol and Fischer-Tropsch). a, c, e show potential system cost savings compared to the scenario without imports. b, d, f show the share and composition of different import vectors in relation to total energy system costs. The information is shown both in absolute terms and relative terms compared to the scenario without imports. Ranges in (a, c, e) show cost savings (%) for technology assumption years 2030 and 2050, in addition to 2040. All shown scenarios allow relocation of crude steel and ammonia production within Europe. HBI = hot briquetted iron; HVDC = high-voltage direct current.
