A multi‐objective model for the analysis of investments to achieve an electricity cleaner production. The case of the Argentinean system

Abstract

The electric power systems are in a transition to forms of generation that achieve cleaner production. In this regard, a new multi-objective model that helps with the problem of cleaner production investments is presented. The model can obtain con- venient solutions where actors with opposed interests are participating. The novelty is the model considers more points of view than the classical approaches of the litera- ture, which only consider a maximum of two actors involved in this field (the new model considers investment costs, greenhouse emissions, and operating costs). Another key contribution is that the real procedures of the generation and transmis- sion stages and the dependences between electrical-natural gas systems are carefully represented and included in the model. It allows obtaining solutions in concordance with the real conditions. The model is applied to the energy system of Argentina by using an epsilon-constraint approach and Mixed Integer Linear Programming formula- tions. The test system supplies electricity to over 40 million people and neighboring countries. Besides, there is interdependency with the Argentinean Natural Gas sys- tem that operates in one of the most extended territories in Latin America. Results indicate that the solutions that are more convenient for all actors represent a mix between renewables and non-renewables technologies. Consequently, this proposal is differentiated from other ones that only consider the expansion concerning renew- ables technologies. The study reveals decreases in emissions up to 39% and the reduction in production costs up to 12% in comparison with the solution without investments.