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Pathway Analysis of a Zero-Emission Transition in the Nordic-Baltic Region

Author

Listed:
  • Peter D. Lund

    (Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

  • Klaus Skytte

    (Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Simon Bolwig

    (Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Torjus Folsland Bolkesjö

    (Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1432 Aas, Norway)

  • Claire Bergaentzlé

    (Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Philipp Andreas Gunkel

    (Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Jon Gustav Kirkerud

    (Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1432 Aas, Norway)

  • Antje Klitkou

    (Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education (NIFU), 0608 Oslo, Norway)

  • Hardi Koduvere

    (Department of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), 19086 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Armands Gravelsins

    (Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University (RTU), 1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Dagnija Blumberga

    (Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University (RTU), 1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Lennart Söder

    (Division of Electric Power and Energy Systems, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), 10444 Stockholm, Sweden)

Abstract

A zero-emission pathway for the Nordic and Baltic region in Europe is described based on the comprehensive policy and scenario analyses, accompanied by energy system modelling. The analyses show that a least-cost strategy would massively employ renewable energy, particularly in the power sector. Through strong coupling across energy sectors and countries, electricity would play a central role in the decarbonization of the main energy sectors. In particular power-to-heat conversion, where heat storage appears important in addition to existing hydropower. Technical and regulatory barriers in front of increased sector coupling and flexibility were identified, and policy measures are proposed to overcome these. In addition to a high carbon price, dynamic tariffs and taxation of electricity would be important to allow market signals for flexibility to reach end-users. A stronger power transmission connection from the Nordics to the mainland-Europe and the United Kingdom would be beneficial for the emission reductions and renewable energy use. The transition pathway analysis points out socio-technical issues such as social acceptance of large-scale new infrastructures (e.g., wind, cables). The energy system optimizations indicate that most of the investments needed for the zero-emission pathway until 2050 would take place already by 2030.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter D. Lund & Klaus Skytte & Simon Bolwig & Torjus Folsland Bolkesjö & Claire Bergaentzlé & Philipp Andreas Gunkel & Jon Gustav Kirkerud & Antje Klitkou & Hardi Koduvere & Armands Gravelsins & Dagni, 2019. "Pathway Analysis of a Zero-Emission Transition in the Nordic-Baltic Region," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:17:p:3337-:d:262187
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sannamari Pilpola & Vahid Arabzadeh & Jani Mikkola & Peter D. Lund, 2019. "Analyzing National and Local Pathways to Carbon-Neutrality from Technology, Emissions, and Resilience Perspectives—Case of Finland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-22, March.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Sadik-Zada, Elkhan Richard & Gatto, Andrea, 2023. "Civic engagement and energy transition in the Nordic-Baltic Sea Region: Parametric and nonparametric inquiries," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 87(PA).
    4. Bergaentzle, Claire & Gunkel, Philipp Andreas, 2022. "Cross-sector flexibility, storage investment and the integration of renewables: Capturing the impacts of grid tariffs," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    5. Backe, Stian & Zwickl-Bernhard, Sebastian & Schwabeneder, Daniel & Auer, Hans & Korpås, Magnus & Tomasgard, Asgeir, 2022. "Impact of energy communities on the European electricity and heating system decarbonization pathway: Comparing local and global flexibility responses," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
    6. Arslan Ahmad Bashir & Andreas Lund & Mahdi Pourakbari-Kasmaei & Matti Lehtonen, 2021. "Optimizing Power and Heat Sector Coupling for the Implementation of Carbon-Free Communities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, March.
    7. Lisa Göransson & Mariliis Lehtveer & Emil Nyholm & Maria Taljegard & Viktor Walter, 2019. "The Benefit of Collaboration in the North European Electricity System Transition—System and Sector Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-23, December.
    8. Peter Klement & Tobias Brandt & Lucas Schmeling & Antonieta Alcorta de Bronstein & Steffen Wehkamp & Fernando Andres Penaherrera Vaca & Mathias Lanezki & Patrik Schönfeldt & Alexander Hill & Nemanja K, 2022. "Local Energy Markets in Action: Smart Integration of National Markets, Distributed Energy Resources and Incentivisation to Promote Citizen Participation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-24, April.

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