Information and requirements

Problem / state of knowledge: 

Heatwaves like those in 2003, 2018 and 2019 have highlighted the significant challenges that extreme weather events pose for electricity supply systems. These events disrupt power generation, especially in thermal power plants that rely on sufficient cooling water. The resulting interruptions can compromise supply reliability, lead to demand shortages, and drive electricity prices higher. Despite the diversification of Europe’s generation mix, extreme weather events increasingly test the resilience and adaptability of the interconnected grid. These challenges, along with downstream effects on electricity markets and retail prices, underline the need to analyse the impact of such scenarios in more detail.

Research questions:

1. How do heatwaves impact the availability and reliability of thermal and hydropower
plants in Europe?
2. What are the implications of heat-induced constraints on electricity prices and supply
security?

Data and methods:

Data:

• ENTSO-E Transparency Platform for generation, outages, and storage data
• Power Plant Data for technical and location-specific details of power plants
• Historical water flow and temperature data to assess cooling constraints from various sources
• Weather data for modelling the heatwave and the future climate scenarios from various sources

Methods:

• European electricity market simulation to evaluate system and market responses under heatwave conditions
• Machine learning models to predict future water temperature data
• Statistical methods to analyse the relationship between environmental constraints and electricity market outcomes

Prior knowledge / requirements

• Basic understanding of the energy industry and how energy systems work
• Experience with modeling and simulation of energy systems or energy technology issues is an advantage (e.g. handling optimization models, simulation tools or programming languages such as Python for energy system analyses).
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills as well as the ability to independently familiarize yourself with complex issues and evaluate simulation results.
• Good knowledge of German and/or English for writing documentation and communicating within the research team.

 
General condions:

• The Master's thesis can be started immediately or by arrangement. The regular completion period is approximately 6 months, with the possibility of an extension according to the examination regulations if necessary. Regular meetings with the supervisors (e.g. weekly) serve to monitor progress and provide professional support during the work.

Contact: 

If you are interested in the topic, I look forward to receiving your e-mail at johannes.schuhmacher∂kit.edu.
Please apply with a short motivation, your CV and a current transcript of records.