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Summary
Circular economy can utilise surplus wind power to improve profitability of the entire energy system. This was demonstrated by VTT's new modelling tool that was used to calculate the effects of circular economy in the Åland Islands, where the share of wind power is expected to increase rapidly in the next few years.
As the share of wind and solar power increases, electricity consumption must become more flexible. For example, electric vehicles and heat storages can be charged during peak periods in electricity production, and especially in Åland, there will be enough wind power to sell to the mainland as well in the future. But what is the most profitable option for surplus electricity utilization when considering the area's entire energy system? This question was answered with the help of VTT's new modelling tool. The comparison included biofuel production processes that could utilise local waste and side streams but consume a considerable amount of electricity.
"Our research showed that the profitability of the energy system in the Åland Islands increases if surplus electricity is utilised in circular economy processes, such as converting biogas into synthetic methane, instead of using it for electric cars, district heating and exports. Therefore, investments in the circular economy may encourage investments in wind power, and together they will increase local material circulation and energy self-sufficiency," says VTT's Research Scientist Kirsikka Kiviranta.
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