Energy Scenarios: Projections on Europes future generation and load

Supply and demand of electricity have to be continually in perfect balance. This chapter focuses on the context of supply and demand evolutions, along with the role of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) grid. In essence, the first task of the grid is to transport electricity from where it is generated to where it is consumed. In addition, connecting different areas also improves security of supply and system reliability. The chapter then describes the general system setting, with supply, demand, the grid, and relevant policies in this regard. It also focuses on scenario analysis, a tool making projections on certain evolutions of the electric power system. Next, the chapter describes existing scenarios from a European perspective, as well as on the role of the grid. Finally, some concluding reflections on a wider international (global) context are formulated.