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Decarbonization strategies for Switzerland considering embedded greenhouse gas emissions in electricity imports

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  • Rüdisüli, Martin
  • Romano, Elliot
  • Eggimann, Sven
  • Patel, Martin K.

Abstract

Decarbonizing the energy system by electrification of heat and transport is only effective when using low-carbon electricity sources. As many countries such as Switzerland rely on imported electricity to meet their demand, the greenhouse gas (GHG) content of electricity imports must be correctly accounted for. By assuming an average GHG content for each amount imported, impacts of electricity required in peak periods are underestimated because additional (marginal) demand is primarily met with fossil power plants. This study employs a model to capture marginal GHG contents of imported electricity from a direct and indirect (life-cycle) perspective at an hourly resolution. Implications on GHG are explored for various electricity demand and supply scenarios including electrification of heat and transport, large-scale expansion of renewables, and nuclear phase-out. We find that depending on the scenario, the average GHG intensity of consumed electricity may double, while diurnal and seasonal variations are even larger. Nonetheless, results show substantial GHG mitigation of up to 45% with electrification in case of deploying a diversified electricity generation portfolio including photovoltaics and wind. For optimal GHG mitigation, short-term flexibility as provided by hydropower is necessary to manage electricity surpluses. The main challenge, however, surrounds seasonal energy storage including sector coupling.

Suggested Citation

  • Rüdisüli, Martin & Romano, Elliot & Eggimann, Sven & Patel, Martin K., 2022. "Decarbonization strategies for Switzerland considering embedded greenhouse gas emissions in electricity imports," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:162:y:2022:i:c:s0301421522000192
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.112794
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    3. Romano, E. & Mutschler, R. & Hollmuller, P. & Sulzer, M. & Orehounig, K. & Rüdisüli, M., 2024. "Spatial carbon and price spillovers among EU countries on their pathway toward net-zero electricity supply," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
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    5. Marten Fesefeldt & Massimiliano Capezzali & Mokhtar Bozorg & Riina Karjalainen, 2023. "Impact of Heat Pump and Cogeneration Integration on Power Distribution Grids Based on Transition Scenarios for Heating in Urban Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-15, March.
    6. Syla, Arven & Rinaldi, Arthur & Parra, David & Patel, Martin K., 2024. "Optimal capacity planning for the electrification of personal transport: The interplay between flexible charging and energy system infrastructure," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    7. Beltrami, Filippo, 2024. "The impact of hydroelectric storage in Northern Italy’s power market," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    8. Walch, Alina & Rüdisüli, Martin, 2023. "Strategic PV expansion and its impact on regional electricity self-sufficiency: Case study of Switzerland," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 346(C).

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