Explanation of the simulation parameters

Simulation Parameters	Description
Solar and wind	The installed power can be scaled linearly. The quarter-hourly power values are calculated using the scaling factors. Any weather or climate changes are not taken into account when simulating electricity generation.
Hydropower and biomass	These sources cannot be scaled as no further expansion is to be expected.
Load	The annual load is scaled linearly. The quarter-hourly values of the load are calculated with the scaling factor. Possible future load shifts are not taken into account.
Short-term storage	Batteries and pumped storage are combined to form short-term storage. They ensure an intra-day balance between generation and consumption. It is assumed that in the short term, electrical storage is cheaper than long-term storage using hydrogen or other synthetic gases or liquids.
Additional power generation	The additional generation of electricity should switch from fossil to renewable sources in the future. It does not participate in the within-day compensation in order to minimize the installed capacity and increase the full-load hours.
Electrolysis	Due to their high investment costs, electrolysers are operated in such a way that they achieve as many full-load hours as possible. They do not participate in the intraday balance between generation and load.

Explanations of the different scenarios

Expansion goals of the federal government for 2030

Within the Easter package and the EEG Amendment 2023, the federal government has set itself the goal of increasing the share of renewable energies in gross electricity generation to at least 80%. Among other things, the expansion paths for solar and wind energy were significantly increased.

Network Development Plan

The network development plan is being developed by the four German transmission system operators TenneT, Amprion, 50Hertz and TransnetBW. Based on the scenarios developed, the network expansion requirement is determined and the network expanded accordingly. Further information can be found here.

Fraunhofer study "Ways to a climate-neutral energy system"

In the study "Ways to a climate-neutral energy system" by FraunhoferISE, four scenarios are calculated with the energy system model REMod as to how climate neutrality can be achieved in Germany by 2045. The four scenarios are based on various social trends. Further information is available here. In addition, various data are visualized under the "Scenarios" menu (only for Germany).