Comparing net zero pathways across the Atlantic A model inter-comparison exercise between the Energy Modeling Forum 37 and the European Climate and Energy Modeling Forum


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Date

2024-12

Publication Type

Journal Article

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yes

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Abstract

Europe and North America account for 32 % of current carbon emissions. Due to distinct legacy systems, energy infrastructure, socioeconomic development, and energy resource endowment, both regions have different policy and technological pathways to reach net zero by the mid-century. Against this background, our paper examines the results from the net zero emission scenarios for Europe and North America that emerged from the collaboration of the European and American Energy Modeling Forums. In our analysis, we perform an inter-comparison of various integrated assessments and bottom-up energy system models. A clear qualitative consensus emerges on five main points. First, Europe and the United States reach net zero targets with electrification, demand-side reductions, and carbon capture and sequestration technologies. Second, the use of carbon capture and sequestration is more predominant in the United States due to a steeper decarbonization schedule. Third, the buildings sector is the easiest to electrify in both regions. Fourth, the industrial sector is the hardest to electrify in the United States and transportation in Europe. Fifth, in both regions, the transition in the energy mix is driven by the substitution of coal and natural gas with solar and wind, but to a different extent.

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published

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Volume

5

Pages / Article No.

100144

Publisher

Elsevier

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Subject

Net zero; Europe; United States; 100% renewables; Electrification; Energy Modeling Forum; European Climate & Energy Modeling Forum; Climate change mitigation; Renewable energy system models; Carbon dioxide removal (CDR); Energy transition pathways

Organisational unit

09696 - Bardow, André / Bardow, André check_circle

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