Public Defence in Energy Technology, M.Sc. Tero Koivunen

Based on both the 2015 Paris Agreement and the climate goals of the European Union, Finland has inscribed into law an ambitious goal of attaining carbon neutrality already by 2035. The energy sector has a central role in combatting carbon emissions. This thesis investigates what actions are required to transition the Finnish energy system to carbon neutrality. This is achieved by modelling the Finnish energy system.

Even though the power sector in Finland is already highly decarbonized, significant measures are required in other sectors, such as transport and industry, to attain the goal of carbon neutrality. This dissertation researches the transition to carbon neutrality from three different point of views. First, the feasibility of a low-carbon power system is investigated. Second, the impacts on power system from electrification measures in the wider energy system are researched. Third, more detailed research focusing on the economic feasibility, security of supply and demand response is conducted. The research has been performed with different energy modelling software, where either the entire energy sector or just power sector has been modeled.

The most important finding of this thesis is, that increasing flexibility in the power system is essential to achieve a carbon neutral energy system. The flexibility can be achieved via either electric storages, flexible power production or with flexible electric loads. It was also noted, that decarbonization measures in other sectors increase the need for flexibility further. Flexibility is needed for both long- and short term. Short-term flexibility is needed to respond to changing weather patterns, while long-term flexibility is needed to respond to seasonal changes. By increasing both types of flexibility, the goal of reaching carbon neutrality becomes not only economically feasible, but also enhances the resilience of the power system.

Carbon sinks are also vital in attaining carbon neutrality. By excessively consuming biomass, the attained reductions in carbon emissions may be offset by the decrease in the carbon sinks.

The results of this thesis highlight the importance of using versatile modelling tools. Additionally, a holistic and technology neutral approach should be used to attain carbon neutrality. Attaining the carbon neutrality goal of Finland by 2035 will be challenging due to techno-economic reasons and the declined carbon sink in Finland. 

Doctoral Student: Tero Koivunen

Opponent: Prof. William Usher, KTH, Sweden

Custos: Prof. Sanna Syri, Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering 

The public defense will be organized in Lecture Hall 213a, Otakaari 4 and online on Zoom.

The thesis is publicly displayed 10 days prior to the defense in the publication archive Aaltodoc of Aalto University. 

Contact information of doctoral student: 

Doctoral theses in the School of Engineering: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/49