Wartsila and LUT University Joint Study Emphasises Investments in Flexible Generation Technologies for India's Energy Transition Towards 100% Renewables by 2050

The technology group Wärtsilä and Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) in Finland recently carried out a first-of-its-kind power system study exploring a carbon neutral power system across India by 2050.

India is currently faced with an energy trajectory that includes multiple imperatives: sustainability, energy access across the country and energy self-sufficiency, while most importantly driving and sustaining rapid economic growth. This joint study by LUT University and Wärtsilä highlights the importance of a cost optimal and carbon-neutral power system in India by 2050. The study analyses the development of the power system in a Best Policy Scenario, in which greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reach zero across the power sector by 2050 with comprehensive adoption of sustainable energy and flexible technologies.

Commenting on the study, Mr Pieter Hokkeling, Director, Growth & Development, Middle East and Asia, Wärtsilä Energy said, “Wärtsilä’s team of power system modelling experts have systematically invested in building world class knowhow on modeling and analysing the long term environmental and economic impacts of the energy transition, and the need for flexibility in power systems with high shares of renewables across the world. This study focuses on understanding the value of flexibility in power systems beyond the limited scope of pumped storage hydro plants by integrating ICE (Internal Combustion Engines) and storage technologies (batteries and synthetic gas) in achieving a 100% renewable powered system. The study highlights that India stands to gain economically and environmentally by completely shifting towards a renewable powered electricity mix, with flexible technologies providing system reliability.”

Professor of Solar Economy, LUT University, Dr. Christian Breyer on collaboration with Wärtsilä said, “We feel proud to partner with Wärtsilä and contribute our expertise to this strategic modelling exercise. The research determined an economically viable pathway to a carbon neutral Indian power system by 2050, with electricity as the major energy carrier. The findings of the study have clearly resonated with Wärtsilä’s vision of 100% renewable energy future. By combining our work with that of Wärtsilä, this research has turned out to be an eye-opener.”