Abstract
Due to the expected installed capacity of wind power in Germany in combination with the fade out of conventional electricity generation within the next years, the overall German power plant capability can be changed to be cost effective and to meet CO2-emission targets. A new energy-economical model called WEsER has been developed to investigate the new situation. This optimizes the conventional power plant generation during one year at hourly resolution, so including wind energy characteristics. The main objective year is 2020. Proposed structures and operation timetables for power plants are calculated. Consequently, WEsER results suggest a new structure of electricity generation mix with large amounts of wind energy. The energy generation share of today's “base load” power stations will decrease, while gas and hard coal complete the generation mix with wind. Economic analysis shows that the additional costs of wind energy are a minimum when emission reduction targets are met.