Emission pathways towards a low-carbon energy system for Europe: a model-based analysis of decarbonization scenarios

"The aim of this paper is to showcase different decarbonization pathways for Germany and Europe with varying Carbon dioxide (CO2) constraints until 2050. The Global Energy System Model (GENeSYS-MOD) framework, a linear mathematical optimization model, is used to compute low-carbon scenarios for...

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Main Authors: Hainsch, Karlo, Burandt, Thorsten, Kemfert, Claudia, Löffler, Konstantin, Oei, Pao-Yu, von Hirschhausen, Christian
Institution:ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
Format: TEXT
Language:English
Published: Berlin 2018
DIW
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-19306128124911243009-emission-pathways-towards-a-lo.htm
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author Hainsch, Karlo
Burandt, Thorsten
Kemfert, Claudia
Löffler, Konstantin
Oei, Pao-Yu
von Hirschhausen, Christian
author_facet Hainsch, Karlo
Burandt, Thorsten
Kemfert, Claudia
Löffler, Konstantin
Oei, Pao-Yu
von Hirschhausen, Christian
collection Library items
description "The aim of this paper is to showcase different decarbonization pathways for Germany and Europe with varying Carbon dioxide (CO2) constraints until 2050. The Global Energy System Model (GENeSYS-MOD) framework, a linear mathematical optimization model, is used to compute low-carbon scenarios for Europe as a whole, as well as for 17 European countries or regions. The sectors power, low- and high-temperature heating, and passenger and freight transportation are included, with the model endogenously constructing capacities in each period. Emission constraints differ between different scenarios and are either optimized endogenously by the model, or distributed on a per-capita basis, GDP-dependent, or based on current emissions. The results show a rapid phase-in of renewable energies, if a carbon budget in line with established climate targets is chosen. In the 2° pathway, the power and low-temperature heat sectors are mostly decarbonized by 2035, with the other sectors following. Wind power is the most important energy source in Europe by 2050, followed by solar energy and hydro power. The heating sector is dominated by biogas and heat pumps, while electric vehicles emerge in the transportation sector in the later periods. Differences in renewable potentials lead to different developments in the regions, e.g., converting Germany from a net exporter of electricity into an importing country by 2050. In the 1.5° pathway, not all calculations are feasible, showcasing that especially countries like Poland or the Balkan region that heavily rely on fossil fuels will face difficulties transitioning away from their current generation capacities. It can, however, be shown that the achievement of the 2° target can be met with low additonal costs compared to the business as usual case, while reducing total emissions by more than 30%."
format TEXT
geographic Europe
id 19306128124911243009_3f4c48e37fba42998954c454d62ad1d8
institution ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
is_hierarchy_id 19306128124911243009_3f4c48e37fba42998954c454d62ad1d8
is_hierarchy_title Emission pathways towards a low-carbon energy system for Europe: a model-based analysis of decarbonization scenarios
language English
physical 37 p.
Digital
publishDate 2018
publisher Berlin
DIW
spellingShingle Hainsch, Karlo
Burandt, Thorsten
Kemfert, Claudia
Löffler, Konstantin
Oei, Pao-Yu
von Hirschhausen, Christian
environment
energy policy
gas emission
renewable resources
decarbonization
Emission pathways towards a low-carbon energy system for Europe: a model-based analysis of decarbonization scenarios
thumbnail https://www.labourline.org/Image_prev.jpg?Archive=137353595553
title Emission pathways towards a low-carbon energy system for Europe: a model-based analysis of decarbonization scenarios
topic environment
energy policy
gas emission
renewable resources
decarbonization
url https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-19306128124911243009-emission-pathways-towards-a-lo.htm