Effects of System Operator Co-ordination on Optimal Operation of Integrated Energy Systems

Transmission networks (of electricity and gas) are key components of our energy systems, which must evolve and adapt to keep pace with the changing energy landscape. Integrating these transmission networks, and thus energy systems, increases energy system flexibility to balance intermittent renewable resources. But what is the role of the system operators in this integrated electricity and gas energy system? This paper compares three different types of system operators; a single centralised entity; two decentralised entities, with minimal knowledge of the other; and two entities with increased knowledge of the other, that maintain information privacy. Results from this paper show that a single entity operating the integrated energy system provides the lowest operational cost, alongside the most cost-optimal mix of generators and gas terminals. Additionally, different system operators will utilise dispatch-able generators in different roles, with the centralised operator using low-cost non-gas-fired power plants for base-load generation, while the decentralised operators utilise gas-fired power plants.