Energy consumption and emission mitigation prediction based on data center traffic and PUE for global data centers

With the rapid development of technologies such as big data and cloud computing, data communication and data computing in the form of exponential growth have led to a large amount of energy consumption in data centers. Globally, data centers will become the world’s largest users of energy consumption, with the ratio rising from 3% in 2017 to 4.5% in 2025. Due to its unique climate and energy-saving advantages, the high-latitude area in the Pan-Arctic region has gradually become a hotspot for data center site selection in recent years. In order to predict and analyze the future energy consumption and carbon emissions of global data centers, this paper presents a new method based on global data center traffic and power usage effectiveness (PUE) for energy consumption prediction. Firstly, global data center traffic growth is predicted based on the Cisco’s research. Secondly, the dynamic global average PUE and the high latitude PUE based on Romonet simulation model are obtained, and then global data center energy consumption with two different scenarios, the decentralized scenario and the centralized scenario, is analyzed quantitatively via the polynomial fitting method. The simulation results show that, in 2030, the global data center energy consumption and carbon emissions are reduced by about 301 billion kWh and 720 million tons CO2 in the centralized scenario compared with that of the decentralized scenario, which confirms that the establishment of data centers in the Pan-Arctic region in the future can effectively relief the climate change and energy problems. This study provides support for global energy consumption prediction, and guidance for the layout of future global data centers from the perspective of energy consumption. Moreover, it provides support of the feasibility of the integration of energy and information networks under the Global Energy Interconnection conception.     

Design and verification of a satellite-terrestrial integrated IP network model for the Global Energy Interconnection

In order to meet the pressing demand for wide-area communication required by the Global Energy Interconnection (GEI), accelerating the construction of satellite-terrestrial integrated networks that can achieve network extension and seamless global coverage has become the focus of power communication technology development. In this study, we propose a satellite-terrestrial integrated network model that can support interconnection and interoperation on the IP layer between the satellite system and the terrestrial segment of the existing power communication system. First, the composition and function of the satellite-terrestrial collaborative network are explained. Then, the IP-based protocol stack is described, and a typical application experiment is conducted to illustrate the particular process of this protocol stack. Finally, a use case of IP interconnection that depends on GEO satellite communication is detailed. The experimental study has showed that the satellite-terrestrial collaborative network can efficiently support various IP applications for the GEI.     

Prospect and key techniques of Global Energy Interconnection Zhangjiakou Innovation Demonstration Zone

In the Background of implementing innovation-driven development strategy and building Global Energy Interconnection, the necessity of building Global Energy Interconnection Zhangjiakou Innovation Demonstration Zone for stimulating economic growth, promoting social development and supporting 2022 Winter Olympics are discussed by analyzing the location advantages of Zhangjiakou and the characteristics of renewable energy in Zhangjiakou. Solutions are put forward in aspects of renewable energy integration in National Wind/Solar/Storage/Transmission Pilot Project, VSC-HVDC transmission of renewable energy and demonstration utilization of renewable energy in the Olympics zone, which could be a reference for problems of large-scale renewable energy in secure integration, outgoing transmission and flexible consumption. And replicable experience for building Global Energy Interconnection will be provided by conducting ± 500kV VSC-HVDC Power Grid Demonstration Project, Virtual Synchronous Generator Demonstration Project, Flexible Substation and AC/DC Power Distribution Network Demonstration Project, EV Battery Secondary Utilization Energy Storage Demonstration Project, Smart Grid Demonstration Project of Low Carbon Winter Olympics and other demonstration projects.     

The scoping study of Kazakhstan-China-Republic of Korea power interconnection

Electric interconnection is an essential trend for future large-scale development and utilization of renewable energy. China has proposed the concept of Global Energy Interconnection to realize the clean utilization of energy through the interconnection of power grids and optimize the allocation of global energy resources. This study proposes the Kazakhstan-China-Republic of Korea networking scheme, analyzing the characteristics of power supply and demand in these countries. Based on the regional economic analysis and power development, four interconnection schemes are proposed utilizing UHVDC technology. Accordingly, existing problems and favorable factors are fully considered. The investment analysis of ± 1100 kV and ± 800 kV lines, configuration scheme of the converter station, and investment estimation of four interconnection schemes are given.     

Insights for global energy interconnection from China renewable energy development

Vigorously developing global renewable energy such as wind energy, solar energy, and hydropower and realizing global clean resource sharing are paramount driving forces for building the Global Energy Interconnection (GEI). With the help of a comparative analysis of renewable energy development and global renewable energy development scenarios, this paper expounds on the similarities between China1 and global renewable energy development. Based on the analysis of renewable energy development and the status of global renewable energy development in China, this paper summarizes the relevant experience and problems of renewable energy development in China. According to these problems, this paper also puts forward the corresponding solutions and measures, that is, to promote the healthy and steady development of renewable energy in China through the source-network-load-storage and market coordination. Finally, by analyzing the development requirements and current foundation of GEI, insights and suggestions are proposed for the future development of renewable energy for the GEI construction.     

Mechanism of CO2 Emission Reduction by Global Energy Interconnection

The challenge of global warming has become a driving force for a global energy transition. The Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) is a modern energy system aimed at meeting the global power demand in a clean and green manner. With the development of clean replacement, electricity replacement, and grid interconnection strategies, GEI contributes to the global temperature control by dramatically reducing the level of energy-related CO₂ emissions. This study proposes an integrated framework for analyzing the mechanism of CO₂ emission reduction via GEI implementation. The obtained results demonstrate that the total cumulative contribution of GEI to mitigating the effects of CO₂ emissions (estimated by conducting a scenario analysis) corresponds to a total reduction of 3100 Gt CO₂. The contributions of the clean replacement, electricity replacement, and carbon capture and storage GEI components to this process are equal to 55, 42, 5%, respectively. Using GEI, the utilization of clean energy in 2050 will increase by a factor of 4.5 at an annual growth rate of 4.4%, and the electrification rate will be 2.4 times greater than the current one.     

Alleviating freshwater shortages with combined desert-based large-scale renewable energy and coastal desalination plants supported by Global Energy Interconnection

Under the background of sustainable energy transition and environmental protection, Global Energy Interconnection (GEI), which features an innovative combination of clean energy (e.g., solar power) and ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission technologies, provides a means to realize global climate governance. China is a large country with unevenly distributed water resources, energy production, and energy consumption, and the large areas of desert in northern and western China have the potential for installing large-scale solar power plants. This study analyzed the potential of using large-scale solar power from deserts to coastal seawater desalination plants, which could alleviate the freshwater crisis and control desertification in China. First, the measurement data from NASA were used to estimate the potential exploitable amount of solar energy in desert areas. A macro idea was proposed for the transmission of electrical power from inland integrated energy bases to coastal seawater desalination and pumping of freshwater to western China to combat desertification and alleviate the freshwater crisis. Based on this, the electricity demands for desalination and water redistribution were estimated. As a huge interruptible load, desalination and pumping systems could be used to suppress power fluctuations of the integrated energy bases. Finally, the fundamental support roles of UHV grids in large-scale renewable energy allocation and utilization were discussed. This analysis offers a theoretical framework to help realize efficient renewable energy generation and consumption and alleviate freshwater shortage.     

From interconnections of local electric power systems to Global Energy Interconnection

The interconnections of electric power systems are developed for the economic benefits and in order to increase the overall power supply reliability and quality level. Development of power industry shows the positive effects in operation of the country-wide electric power systems and international interconnections. Creation of World Energy System or, by the other words, Global Energy Interconnection is objective trend on the way of expansion of international and intercontinental electric power interconnections. Several important aspects of above mentioned problems are discussed in this paper.     

An innovation idea for energy transition towards sustainable and resilient societies: Global energy interconnection

Global Energy Interconnection(hereafter GEI) is not only connectivity of power grid, but also a series of methodical innovations for energy transition towards sustainable and resilient societies,which is different from the traditional energy development mode in the past. This paper seeks to summarize the key features about the above-mentioned innovations, as Green & Clean, Balanced & Reciprocal, Efficient & Intelligent and Vitality & Business opportunity. Finally it puts forward some reflections on the future development of GEI based on ASEAN practice cases.     

Application research on large-scale battery energy storage system under Global Energy Interconnection framework

In the context of constructing Global Energy Interconnection (GEI), energy storage technology, as one of the important basic supporting technologies in power system, will play an important role in the energy configuration and optimization. Based on the most promising battery energy storage technology, this paper introduces the current status of the grid technology, the application of large-scale energy storage technology and the supporting role of battery energy storage for GEI. Based on several key technologies of large-scale battery energy storage system, preliminary analysis of the standard system construction of energy storage system is made, and the future prospect is put forward.     

Application and research of global grid database design based on geographic information

Energy crisis and climate change have become two seriously concerned issues universally. As a feasible solution, Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) has been highly praised and positively responded by the international community once proposed by China. From strategic conception to implementation, GEI development has entered a new phase of joint action now. Gathering and building a global grid database is a prerequisite for conducting research on GEI. Based on the requirement of global grid data management and application, combining with big data and geographic information technology, this paper studies the global grid data acquisition and analysis process, sorts out and designs the global grid database structure supporting GEI research, and builds a global grid database system.     

Research on key technologies of deduction of multinational power trading in the context of Global Energy Interconnection

When transnationalized electricity trade is conducted in the context of Global Energy Interconnection (GEI), the transaction settlement usually has a long cycle and high cost and is influenced by the volatility of the exchange rate. It is thus necessary to overcome the problems associated with the transaction settlement, change in the trading model data, and trading strategy in the transnational transaction deduction. To overcome the problem of trade settlement, this paper proposes the use of a digital currency (energy currency) for the cross-border electricity trading settlement based on the special drawing rights of the International Monetary Fund, which is controlled by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), to enable the proposed currency to become a stable digital currency. The traders can use the energy coins as a unit of currency for quotes, combined with the data pertaining to the changes in the energy information obtained from the GEI framework and data regarding the optimally extrapolated reference trading indicators. To realize the implementation of the multi-trader concurrent transaction deduction using a microservice architecture, this paper proposes a method of computing the microservice and synchronous interaction among the traders, based on the database table data, because the large amount of computation is required to be accomplished asynchronously with a single process. The key technology behind these cross-national electricity trading simulations can not only enable the GEI transnational traders to performed daily real-time trading, but it also demonstrates the advantages of the rapid settlement of the energy currency and the realization of a stable payment in the global energy interconnection cross-border electricity trading.     

A multi-level evaluation model for the recognition and assessment of impact factors associated with intercontinental power interconnection projects

The construction of intercontinental power grid interconnection projects is key to realizing the vision of Global Energy Interconnection, which is to solve global energy problems in a clean and sustainable manner. These projects may be influenced by a few factors that are neither technological nor economic, such as political, social, and international factors. This paper thus presents a multi-level model for recognizing which factor from a compiled list of 14 would impact a particular intercontinental interconnection project and for assessing the degree of the factor’s influence. In the first part of the model, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used to recognize the project’s most significant impact factors. Using the recognition results, the second part of the model can assess the degree of the factor’s influence on the project based on ratings provided by experts. A comprehensive evaluation can thus be provided. As a case study, the proposed Saudi Arabia-Ethiopia power grid interconnection project connecting Asia and Africa was analyzed. Derived from a combination of multiple opinions from experts, evaluations from the model will be of direct benefit to decision-makers, investors, project implementers, and engineers, providing them with a deeper insight into the project.     

Quantitative credibility evaluation of Global Energy Interconnection data

The development of Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) is essential for supporting a wide range of basic data resources. The Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization has established a comprehensive data center covering six major systems. However, methods for accurately describing and scientifically evaluating the credibility of the massive amount of GEI data remain underdeveloped. To address this lack of such methods, a GEI data credibility quantitative evaluation model is proposed here. An evaluation indicator system is established to evaluate data credibility from multiple perspectives and ensure the comprehensiveness and impartiality of evaluation results. The Cloud Model abandons the hard division of comments to ensure objectivity and accuracy in evaluation results. To evaluate the suitability of the proposed method, a case analysis is conducted, wherein the proposed method demonstrates sufficient validity and feasibility.     

Research on big data applications in Global Energy Interconnection

Construction of Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) is regarded as an effective way to utilize clean energy and it has been a hot research topic in recent years. As one of the enabling technologies for GEI, big data is accompanied with the sharing, fusion and comprehensive application of energy related data all over the world. The paper analyzes the technology innovation direction of GEI and the advantages of big data technologies in supporting GEI development, and then gives some typical application scenarios to illustrate the application value of big data. Finally, the architecture for applying random matrix theory in GEI is presented.     

Grid integrated renewable DG systems: A review of power quality challenges and state-of-the-art mitigation techniques

Increased energy demands due to rapid industrialization, environmental concerns with fossil fuel–based generation, diminishing fossil energy resources, transmission network congestion, and technical performance deterioration are the motivations behind the integration of small renewable distributed generation (DG) units and turning the existing power systems into a restructured one. Optimizing the technical benefits offered by DG placement is a well-known challenge for distribution network operators (DNOs) for both fossil and renewable energy resource–based DGs, but renewable DG systems have several power quality (PQ) challenges associated additionally. Power quality is a very significant characteristic of renewable DG systems because today's loads are more sensitive to PQ disturbances and penetration of renewable energy as well as nonlinear loads is proliferating in distribution power networks. So the need for innovative power quality improvement (PQI) techniques becomes inevitable due to ongoing reformation in traditional distribution networks by the integration of renewable energy. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of power quality challenges with grid integration of renewable DG systems and current research status of associated mitigation techniques. Firstly, this paper puts emphasis on theoretically illustrating all the crucial power quality challenges associated with grid integration of renewable energy, and secondly, a thorough survey, of all PQI techniques introduced till date, is elaborated along with highlighting the opportunities for future research. Furthermore, all the crucial power quality issues, the impact of high penetration of renewable energy and mitigation techniques on power quality, are demonstrated also by simulating a grid integrated PV-based DG system in MATLAB/Simulink. This article is believed to be very beneficial for academics as well as industry professionals to understand existing PQ challenges, PQI techniques, and future research directions for renewable energy technologies.     

Electricity sector integration in West Africa

Regional and global integration initiatives push for more electricity sector integration everywhere in the world, including West Africa. The creation of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) in 2000 and important investments under this new structure in 2006 are concrete actions that will result in a more integrated West African electricity sector. But will this integrated sector be more functional than the previous ones? Will the identified electricity sector problems be solved with the new power pool? This paper analyzes how power sector integration is presented by international institutions (the UN Economic Commission for Africa, World Energy Council and World Bank) and identifies three problematic issues with the current integration approach: lack of African ownership, unclear and conflicting reform objectives and uncertainty of integration outcomes.     

Recent developments in HVDC transmission systems to support renewable energy integration

The demands for massive renewable energy integration, passive network power supply, and global energy interconnection have all gradually increased, posing new challenges for high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission systems, including more complex topology and increased diversity of bipolar HVDC transmission. This study proposes that these two factors have led to new requirements for HVDC control strategies. Moreover, due to the diverse applications of HVDC transmission technology, each station in the system has different requirements. Furthermore, the topology of the AC-DC converter is being continuously developed, revealing a trend towards hybrid converter stations.     

Combined heat and power plant integrated with mobilized thermal energy storage (M-TES) system

Energy consumption for space and tap water heating in residential and service sectors accounts for one third of the total energy utilization in Sweden. District heating (DH) is used to supply heat to areas with high energy demand. However, there are still detached houses and sparse areas that are not connected to a DH network. In such areas, electrical heating or oil/pellet boilers are used to meet the heat demand. Extending the existing DH network to those spare areas is not economically feasible because of the small heat demand and the large investment required for the expansion. The mobilized thermal energy storage (M-TES) system is an alternative source of heat for detached buildings or sparse areas using industrial heat. In this paper, the integration of a combined heat and power (CHP) plant and an M-TES system is analyzed. Furthermore, the impacts of four options of the integrated system are discussed, including the power and heat output in the CHP plant. The performance of the M-TES system is likewise discussed.     

Asian international grid connection and potentiality of DC superconducting power transmission

In 2011, a large scale earthquake and tsunami hit the northeastern coast of Japan, and nuclear plants were damaged to a large extent. Before the Tsunami, 54 nuclear plants were operated, however presently, only three nuclear plants are in operation. Therefore, Japan is suffering from high price of electricity and low supply reliability. In generation mix, nuclear plants generate only one percent and 87 percent of electricity is generated by fossil energy. This is not preferable for Japan from the viewpoints of energy security and stable electricity supply. Therefore, it is mandatory to increase sustainable energy and to decrease consumption of fossil fuel. International grid connection and the Global Energy Interconnection will be one of countermeasures against these problems existing in Japan. In this paper, international grid connection initiatives proposed in Asia are described and features and issues of electric power grids in Japan are discussed to implement the international grid connection. As the key technology for implementing the international grid connection, the present status of DC superconducting power transmission lines and power converters for long-distance power transmission lines are presented. In conclusion, conditions and legal frameworks for realizing the international grid connection are described.