Economic study of the coupling of urban networks. Study report

This study addresses existing coupling solutions for the interaction of three energy vectors (electric power, gas, heat) in urban environments. It notably identifies the general context at different scales (national, regional, city and district) for these three energy networks. More precisely, this study aims at providing elements of technical-economic analysis for the assessment of relevancy of couplings between these networks in urban environments, and at discussing the role of these couplings in the energy system. Various couplings are identified, and a cost-benefit analysis is performed for each of them. In order to do so, couplings are gathered in categories while assuming the main value brought by these couplings (energy valorisation, cost mutualization, storage, and so on). This value is assessed, and relevancy of the coupling implementation is discussed. A case study on the Bordeaux metropolis results in a proposition of suitable structure and governance for the implementation of couplings. A set of sheets presents various characteristics (costs, benefits, drawbacks, brief presentations of existing projects) for different couplings between various heat production means and networks, gas production means and networks, power production means and networks