Energy supply chain optimisation: Special considerations for the solution of the energy planning problem

The present work is a part of a major research project aiming to the development of the methodology and the corresponding integrated tool for the economic, social and environmental evaluation of various alternative energy and fuel Supply Chains (SCs). With special consideration of the energy supply options and dimensions, the applicability of the present modelling approach to the energy systems planning is examined. The energy system of an isolated area consists of a set of energy inputs - supply sources, storage facilities as well as a certain profile of energy demand. The optimisation model may include various economic, environmental or optimisation criteria such as cost minimisation, environmental impacts minimisation, profit maximisation as well as a set of constraints expressing the design, operation and limits of the system. A very interesting issue of the present research work is that it introduces an approach that may be followed equally well in energy as well in water systems with the same characteristics, i.e. in isolated areas with a variety of supply sources and users as well as with various criteria and considerations such as technical, environmental, social and economic.