Jonas Schnidrig
EPFL Valais Wallis
EPFL IPESE (SCI-STI-FM)
Rue de l'Industrie 17
1951 Sion
+41 21 693 87 03
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I17 4 F3
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Web site: Site web: https://ipese.epfl.ch
Domaines de compétences
Life Cycle Assessment
Renewable energy planning
Rational Use of Energy
Thermoeconomic optimisation
Renewable Energy
Biographie
As a dedicated Researcher and Lecturer at EPFL & HES-So Valais Wallis, I am deeply engaged in energy system modeling and urban and national system optimization. My academic journey began in the capital of Valais, Switzerland, and has been driven by a passion for cultural diversity and a steadfast commitment to addressing the energy transition, a definitive challenge of the 21st century.My academic foundation is rooted in machine engineering, with a specialization in energy and technologies at EPFL. My Master's thesis, which won the Zanelli Award, delved into evaluating scenarios for green mobility across European energy systems, reflecting my dedication to sustainable development. I further honed my skills in sustainable optimization and environmental impact evaluation during a research stint at Polytechnique de Montréal - CIRAIG in Canada.
Collaborating with industry and government bodies, I am actively involved in developing strategies that support decision-making and the implementation of sustainable energy solutions. My involvement in projects like EnergyScope Governance and Blue City exemplifies my ability to coordinate international consortia and create impactful research and development strategies.
Publications
Publications Infoscience
Journal Articles
Identification of typical district configurations: A two-step global sensitivity analysis framework
The recent geopolitical conflicts in Europe have underscored the vulnerability of the current energy system to the volatility of energy carrier prices. In the prospect of defining robust energy systems ensuring sustainable energy supply in the future, the imperative of leveraging renewable indigenous energy sources becomes evident. However, as such technologies are integrated into the existing system, it is necessary to shift from the current centralized infrastructure to a decentralized production strategy. This paper presents a method to identify a panel of technological solutions at the district level, intended to reduce complexity for the integration of decentralized models into a national-scale model. The framework's novelty lies in combining a global sensitivity analysis for solution generation with clustering to identify typical configurations. The global sensitivity analysis is performed on a mixed integer linear programming model, which optimally sizes and operates district energy systems. The sensitivity analysis determines the most influential parameters of the model using the Morris method and provides a representative sampling of the solution space by leveraging the Sobol sampling strategy. The latter is then clustered using a density-based algorithm to identify typical solutions. The framework is applied to a suburban and residential Swiss neighborhood. The first outcome of the research is the high sensitivity of the model to energy carrier prices. As a result, Sobol's sampling space separates itself into two system types: those based on a natural gas boiler and those relying on a combination of electrical heaters and heat pumps. For both types, the electricity demand is either fulfilled by PV panels or electricity imports. The identified configurations showcase that the framework successfully generates a panel of solutions composed of various system configurations and operations being representative of the overall solution space.
Energy. 2024-06-01. DOI : 10.1016/j.energy.2024.131116.Closing the balance - on the role of integrating biorefineries in the future energy system (vol 7, pg 4839, 2023)
Correction for 'Closing the balance - on the role of integrating biorefineries in the future energy system' by Julia Granacher et al., Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023, 7, 4839-4854, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE00473B.
Sustainable Energy & Fuels. 2023-10-31. DOI : 10.1039/d3se90081a.Closing the balance - on the role of integrating biorefineries in the future energy system
Fuels from bio-based resources hold the potential to supply fossil fuel alternatives at reasonable economic and environmental expenses that can assist emission reduction in the transportation sector. However, apart from a general need to reduce fossil-based emissions, the shift from fossil energy carriers to renewables is likely to cause mismatches of supply and demand of electricity. This paper investigates the potential of integrated biorefineries to assist in balancing electricity demand and supply while co-producing fuels from biomass. At the example of a pulp mill and a nearby residential district, synergies between biomass valorization at an industrial site and residential energy demands are explored regarding defossilization potential and economic impacts. A Kraft pulp mill is integrated with thermochemical conversion processes, converting residuals of the pulping process to fuel. Power-to-fuel and fuel-to-power processes are enabled for increasing flexibility and enhancing additional fuel production in times of electricity oversupply. Multi-objective optimization is coupled with systematic solution generation and exploration approaches for deriving viable system configurations. Results indicate that direct emissions of the mill and the residential district can be reduced by up to 90% compared to the non-integrated system. Optimization of the prices of internal exchanges between mill and district reveals that this reduction comes at added expenses for all stakeholders, but that a reduction of emissions by approximately 50% provides economic benefits. Extrapolating the analysis to the European level reveals that the benefits of integration depend largely on the energy portfolio present in the considered region.
Sustainable Energy & Fuels. 2023-08-02. DOI : 10.1039/d3se00473b.On the role of energy infrastructure in the energy transition. Case study of an energy independent and CO2 neutral energy system for Switzerland
The transition towards renewable energy is leading to an important strain on the energy grids. The question of designing and deploying renewable energy technologies in symbiosis with existing grids and infrastructure is arising. While current energy system models mainly focus on the energy transformation system or only investigate the effect on one energy vector grid, we present a methodology to characterize different energy vector grids and storage, integrated into the multi-energy and multi-sector modeling framework EnergyScope. The characterization of energy grids is achieved through a traditional energy technology and grid modeling approach, integrating economic and technical parameters. The methodology has been applied to the case study of a country with a high existing transmission infrastructure density, e.g., Switzerland, switching from a fossil fuel-based system to a high share of renewable energy deployment. The results show that the economic optimum with high shares of renewable energy requires the electric distribution grid reinforcement with 2.439 GW (+61%) Low Voltage (LV) and 4.626 GW (+82%) Medium Voltage (MV), with no reinforcement required at transmission level [High Voltage (HV) and Extra High Voltage (EHV)]. The reinforcement is due to high shares of LV-Photovoltaic (PV) (15.4 GW) and MV-wind (20 GW) deployment. Without reinforcement, additional biomass is required for methane production, which is stored in 4.8–5.95 TWh methane storage tanks to compensate for seasonal intermittency using the existing gas infrastructure. In contrast, hydro storage capacity is used at a maximum of 8.9 TWh. Furthermore, the choice of less efficient technologies to avoid reinforcement results in a 8.5%–9.3% cost penalty compared to the cost of the reinforced system. This study considers a geographically averaged and aggregated model, assuming all production and consumption are made in one single spot, not considering the role of future decentralization of the energy system, leading to a possible overestimation of grid reinforcement needs.
Frontiers in Energy Research. 2023. DOI : 10.3389/fenrg.2023.1164813.Conference Papers
Identification of typical district configurations: A two-step global sensitivity analysis framework
2023-06-30. 36th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain , June 25-30, 2023.Integration of Life Cycle Impact Assessment in Energy System Modelling
2023-06-25. 36th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, June 25-30, 2023.Regionalisation in high share renewable energy system modelling
2022-10-27. 2022 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting (PESGM), Denver, Colorado, USA, July 17-21, 2022. p. 1-5. DOI : 10.1109/PESGM48719.2022.9917062.Where is the money ? A decomposition of monetary flows behind fossil fuels
2022-07-01. 35th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, Copenhagen, Denmark, July 17-21, 2022. p. 1791-1800.Assessment of the role of infrastructure in high share renewable energy systems
2022-07. 35th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, Copenhagen, Denmark, July 4-7, 2022. p. 1-11.Appendix: Regionalisation in high share renewable energy system modelling
2021-11-22. 2022 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting (GM), Denver, Colorado, USA, July 17-21, 2022. DOI : 10.1109/PESGM48719.2022.9917062.An analysis of the impacts of green mobility strategies and technologies on different European energy system
2021-08-01. The 34th International conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems (ECOS 2021), Taormina, Italy, June 27 - July 2, 2021.A modelling framework for assessing the impact of green mobility technologies on energy systems
2021-08-01. The 34th International conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems (ECOS 2021), Taormina, Italy, June 27 - July 2, 2021.Application of artificial intelligence on uncertainty analysis for long-term energy system planning
2021. 34th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems (ECOS 2021), Taormina, Italy, June 27-July 2, 2021.Appendix - A modelling framework for assessing the impact of green mobility technologies on energy systems
2021. ECOS 2021 - The 34th International conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, Taormina, Italy, June 27 - July 2, 2021.Application of data reconciliation methods for performance monitoring of power-to-gas plants
2020-06-29. 33rd International Conference onEfficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems - ECOS 2020. p. 1546-1564.Other reports
Integrating Alpine Photovoltaic Technology into EnergyScope: A Case Study of Switzerland’s Energy System
2023-06-13Impact of renewable energy hubs configurations on the national infrastructure
2023-03-24District energy network potentials in a city territory
2022-09-02Reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions is not the only solution
2022-08-25Application of levelized infrastructure-connected regionalisation in energy systems modelling
2022-06-20Prospective study on the cost evolution for key energy technologies
2022-02-22Contribution of storage technologies to renewable energy hubs
2022-01-21Assessment of price decomposition and distribution of fossil fuels
2022-01-15Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A case study of Canada’s path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and the role of hydrogen
2021-08-27Assessment of building stock impact on global energy system optimization
2021-07-26EnergyScope Europe - Data research and model adaptation
2021-01-15EPFL's District Heating Heat Pump - Performance Analysis for DIfferent Working Fluids
2021-01-15Assessment of green mobility scenarios on European energy systems
2020-08-21Image énergétique de la commune de Sion - une inventarisation des ressources et demande
2019-12-19EnergyScope Valais - Case study of Regionalisation
2018-08-13Recherche
Sustainable energy systems
The Paris Agreement marks a significant global commitment to climate change mitigation, aiming for climate neutrality before the century's end. To achieve these ambitious goals, energy system modeling is crucial, yet it often falls short in considering the wider environmental and social impacts. Our research introduces a novel methodology that incorporates life-cycle impact assessment indicators into energy system modeling. This approach allows for a more thorough evaluation of economic and environmental outcomes, taking a comprehensive view of potential impacts.Using Switzerland's energy system as a focal point, our model demonstrates that optimizing key environomic indicators can yield considerable economic benefits. System costs could decrease significantly by minimizing the impacts from operating fossil fuel technologies and accounting for the indirect effects associated with constructing renewable infrastructure. However, an emphasis on economic efficiency alone may inadvertently shift burdens to other environmental areas, despite a substantial reduction in carbon footprint.
Our research advocates for the adoption of multi-objective optimization, which delves into the intricate balance between environomic goals and technological options. By doing so, it sheds light on more holistic strategies for energy systems optimization, addressing the various trade-offs and enhancing the societal acceptance of solutions to global climate challenges. This study not only contributes to the academic discourse but also offers practical insights for policymakers and industry leaders striving for carbon neutrality and sustainable development.
Keywords: Energy System Modeling, Life-Cycle Impact Assessment, Multi-Objective Optimization, Renewable Energy, Environmental Burden Shifting, Switzerland, Carbon Neutrality.
Concurrent regulations
With the adoption of the European Green Deal (EGD), European countries have devised energy policies to align with its objectives. These policies focus on increasing renewable primary energy (RPE) and electricity production to achieve carbon neutrality, with progress indicated in strategic documents. Notably, the correlation between global energy system electrification and electricity production is evident in most national policies, with France and Austria as notable outliers due to their unique energy strategies. France emphasizes complete electrification via nuclear power, while Austria relies on synthetic and biofuels for heating and mobility.Switzerland's Energiestrategie 2050 exemplifies a commitment to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while phasing out nuclear power. However, regional variations in energy systems, regulations, and potentials lead to diverse transition pathways at the cantonal level. Governments employ tools such as taxes and subsidies to guide these transitions, aiming to minimize socio-economic costs and environmental impacts. The evolution of the energy market, influenced by factors such as natural gas prices, will significantly alter energy service costs to consumers. The overarching goal is to motivate and guide citizens and industries towards the national objectives, using governmental levers to influence the energy sector, behaviors, and market dynamics.
Synergies of scales
National systems encompass diverse regions with distinct geographical, meteorological, demographic, anthropological, and economic characteristics. These variations result in unique end-use demands and renewable energy potentials for each region. The critical challenge lies in incorporating these differences into energy system planning, determining the optimal locations and technologies for installation and operation. Additionally, it involves deciding whether to capitalize on synergies between regions through centralized integration and regional exchanges or to focus on local production through decentralization.Role of Infrastructure
A significant challenge in implementing high proportions of renewable energy is ensuring the security of supply. This concept traditionally meant maintaining a two-week stock of fossil fuels but needs redefinition in light of the shift toward intermittent and decentralized renewable energy sources. This shift necessitates new strategies for energy storage during outages, as well as for the distribution grids and infrastructure.European nations employ varied strategies to ensure a stable energy supply. The approach depends on the type of renewable energy strategy adopted, affecting the extent of reliance on imports. Countries focusing on electrification mainly depend on importing electricity and tend to have lower import needs with increased shares of renewable primary energy. In contrast, countries using a mix of electricity, bio, and synthetic fuels depend on both fuel storage and significant imports. Nations with lower import dependencies typically rely on nuclear power or possess high renewable energy potential.
The reliance on importing and distributing resources or storing energy vectors requires substantial investments in infrastructure to ensure adequate security of supply. These investments increase the overall costs of the energy system, costs which are ultimately borne by the consumer. For instance, electricity pricing currently includes a significant portion of grid costs. Addressing these challenges involves integrating infrastructure to manage bottlenecks and assess the feasibility of transport and distribution, all while considering the impact on the overall energy system costs.
Enseignement & Phd
Enseignement
Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Student supervision
Supervision of several semester and master projects.Available projects can be found here. If no topic suits well, it is possible to determine a subject (please contact by mail).