How we model interconnectors in Europe
We model all interconnectors between the model’s countries. Interconnector capacities evolve in line with what ENTSO-E’s TYNDP 2024 states up to 2050, and stay fixed thereafter.
Note: Transmission expansion is fixed in advance and not chosen by the model. We only include projects already planned in the TYNDP timeline.
Interconnector capacity evolution
We model interconnectors using a net transfer capacity (NTC) approach, allowing electricity to flow up to the rated capacity at any time, only limited by ramping rates. Using an NTC approach, we are able to capture asymmetric capacity limits on the same interconnector based on direction of power flow.
Ramping rates
Direct current (DC) interconnectors are subject to a ramping rate constraint, typically limited to 30 MW per minute (Source). This reflects common operational limits agreed between two synchronous areas to preserve frequency stability and system security.