Open model-based analysis of a 100% renewable and sector-coupled energy system–The case of Germany in 2050

The ambitious energy target to achieve climate-neutrality in the European Union (EU) system raises feasibility question of using only renewables across all sectors. As one EU's leading industrialized countries, Germany has adopted several climate-action plans for realistic implementation and maximum utilization renewable energies its system. literature review shows a clear gap comprehensive techniques describing an open modeling approach analyzing fully sector-coupled systems. This paper outlines method 100% renewable-based system's Germany. Based on framework, hourly optimization tool 'OSeEM-DE' is developed investigate German model results show that electricity building heat feasible investment capacities component costs depend parametric variations scenarios. annual vary between 17.6 26.6 bn Euro/yr volatile generators 23.7 28.8 generators. suggests minimum 2.7-3.9 storage. Comparison OSeEM-DE with recent studies validates percentage-wise mix composition calculated Levelized Cost Electricity (LCOE) values from model. Sensitivity analyses indicate storage grid expansion maximize flexibility decrease cost. study concludes by showing how can analyze different systems EU context.