How exact is the Wallonia Dynamic Map? What assumptions and hypotheses have been taken?

10/09/2020

The Wallonia Dynamic Map is an instrument to show the role that solar and wind energy play in the energy system of today and tomorrow in a structured and transparent manner. It is not 100% exact, but rather a calculation model based on the available data. This implies that there is a margin of error on the data.

The assumptions used in the calculations and the known deviations are the following:

·         Elia's data for installed power is considered reliable and representative. 3E calculates the total Walloon energy demand as 33% of the total grid load of the Belgian electricity grid;

·         The installed powers in the calculation are always lower than in reality. This has two reasons:

o   SPW-Energie updates the data on installed solar and wind capacity every six months.

o   While it is mandatory, not every solar panel installation is reported to the grid operator. These unlisted installations give an incomplete overview of the installed capacity of solar panels and, hence, an incorrect implementation of the renewable energy goals for Wallonia;

·         Not all renewable installations in Wallonia are monitored by Elia. Therefore, Elia's electricity production from renewable sources is first scaled to the installed capacity reported by SPW?Energie. This is done based on a weighted factor that depends on the installed capacity and weather forecast for each municipality.

·         The yields of solar panels, onshore  (on land) and offshore wind turbines are based on standard installations in Wallonia. Naturally, the performance of individual installations may deviate from this.

·         Electricity consumption of an average household in Wallonia = 3500 kWh/year or 9.6 kWh/day.

·         CO2 factor of the conventional electricity sector, a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plant on natural gas = 456 kg CO2/MWh: source ,