Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Energy system transition pathways to meet the global electricity demand for ambitious climate targets and cost competitiveness.

Aghahosseini, Arman; Solomon, A.A.; Breyer, Christian; Pregger, Thomas; Simon, Sonja; Strachan, Peter; Jäger-Waldau, Arnulf

Authors

Arman Aghahosseini

A.A. Solomon

Christian Breyer

Thomas Pregger

Sonja Simon

Arnulf Jäger-Waldau



Abstract

This study presents a novel energy system modelling approach for the analysis and comparison of global energy transition pathways for the decarbonisation of the electricity sector. The results of the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the Teske/DLR scenarios are each reproduced. Additionally, five new energy transition trajectories, called LUT, are presented. The research examines the feasibility of each scenario across nine major regions in 5-year intervals, from 2015 to 2050, under a uniform modelling environment with identical technical and financial assumptions. The main differences between the energy transition paths are identified across: (1) the average electricity generation costs; (2) energy diversity; (3) system flexibility; (4) energy security; and, (5) transition dynamics. All LUT and Teske/DLR scenarios are transitioned to zero CO2 emissions and a 100% renewable energy system by 2050 at the latest. Results reveal that the LUT scenarios are the least-cost pathways, while the Teske/DLR scenarios are centred around energy diversity with slightly higher LCOE of around 10–20%. The IEA shares similarities with the Teske/DLR scenarios in terms of energy diversity yet depends on the continued use of fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage, and nuclear power. The IEA scenario based on current governmental policies presents a worst-case situation regarding CO2 emissions reduction, climate change and overall system costs.

Citation

AGHAHOSSEINI, A., SOLOMON, A.A., BREYER, C., PREGGER, T., SIMON, S., STRACHAN, P. and JÄGER-WALDAU, A. 2023. Energy system transition pathways to meet the global electricity demand for ambitious climate targets and cost competitiveness. Applied energy [online], 331, article ID 120401. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.120401

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 18, 2022
Online Publication Date Dec 5, 2022
Publication Date Feb 1, 2023
Deposit Date Dec 9, 2022
Publicly Available Date Dec 9, 2022
Journal Applied energy
Print ISSN 0306-2619
Electronic ISSN 1872-9118
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 331
Article Number 120401
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.120401
Keywords Energy scenarios; Transition pathways; Decarbonisation; 100% renewable energy; Zero CO2 emissions; Energy system model
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1823769
Related Public URLs https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1823805

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations