Modeling the Transition of the Pan-European Energy System

This original paper presents a detailed analysis of the transition of the multimodal pan-European energy system, focusing on the integrated analysis of electricity and gas transport. It outlines the challenges faced by Europe in achieving decarbonization targets while maintaining energy supply security. The paper emphasizes the importance of sector coupling and the need for flexibility in the electricity grid due to the increasing share of renewable energy sources. A proposed workflow is introduced to investigate optimal energy transition pathways, which includes operational analysis of the electricity and gas markets. The case study spans from 2020 to 2050, illustrating how political and technological constraints influence feasible pathways to carbon neutrality. The findings highlight the necessity for sophisticated planning tools and detailed operational models to navigate the complexities introduced by recent disruptive changes in the energy landscape. The paper contributes to the understanding of integrated energy system planning and the operational dynamics of electricity and gas networks.