Multi-Criteria Energy System Optimization: Costs vs. Critical Materials

The question of future energy infrastructure needs is usually studied with modeling approaches that focus on the capability to cover future energy demands while phasing-out conventional power generation at lowest possible cost. However, common planning approaches consider key technologies and thus needed raw materials as available, if needed. We present a modeling approach where assessable limitations of critical raw material are addressed by a novel energy system optimization model. It uses multi-criteria optimization to identify technology mixes for a continental European power system that are pareto-optimal in terms of system costs and system criticality. Compared to the cost minimum, such power systems show shifts from wind to solar power generation. Furthermore, the technology mix is dominated by single sub-technologies, such as wind energy converters without permanent magnets and lithium iron phosphate batteries.