Value network model of electrical energy supply to improve sustainability assessment

Knowledge of the entire value chain is elementary in the ecological, economic and social evaluation of products. This also applies to electrical energy. Only if the value chain of electrical energy is considered holistically can an appropriate assessment of sustainability take place at all levels. The value chain of electrical energy is often neglected, which is reflected, among other things, in the legislation. In recent years, the focus has shifted to the ends of the value chain, with energy production that is as emission-free as possible and the most economical use of electrical energy. The transmission and distribution of electrical energy, as well as intermediate storage, have so far been given only secondary consideration. Against the background of the expansion of regenerative energies, this is particularly regrettable and worthy of criticism, because it can be assumed that the temporary transmission capacities will increase strongly due to regenerative, volatile feeders. This will lead to an increasing load on the transmission and distribution grids as well as an additional need for storage. For this reason, it is now more important than ever to think and view the electrical energy value chain in its entirety and to design and communicate it transparently. This is the only way to create awareness of the value of electrical energy. This paper outlines the current value chain of electrical energy with a focus on the transmission path of electrical energy. Within this framework, it is discussed where the energetic mismatch between energy supply and use lies and how the holistic view of the value chain of electrical energy contributes to an improvement of the sustainability of electrical energy on all levels.