In the framework of the Paris Agreement, the European Union (EU) will have to firmly set decarbonisation targets to 2050.However, the viability on these targets is an ongoing discussion. The European Commission has made several propositions for energy and climate "roadmaps". In this regard, this paper contributes by analysing alternative pathways derived in a unique modelling process. As part of the SET-Nav project, we defined four pathways to a clean, secure and efficient energy system -taking different routes. Two key uncertainties shape the SET-Nav pathways: the level of cooperation (i.e. cooperation versus entrenchment) and the level of decentralization (i.e. decentralization versus path dependency). All four pathways achieve an 85-95% emissions reduction by 2050. We include a broad portfolio of options under distinct framework conditions by comprehensively analysing all energy-consuming and energy-providing sectors as well as the general economic conditions. We do this by applying a unique suite of linked models developed in the SET-Nav project. By linking more than ten models, we overcome the traditional limitation of models that cover one single sector while at the same time having access to detail sectoral data and expertise. In this paper, we focus on the implications for the energy demand sectors (buildings, transport, and industry) and the electricity supply mix in Europe and compare our insights of the electricity sector to the scenarios of the recent European Commission (2018a) report "A clean Planet for all".

Purpose – In addition to financial returns, German housing companies are expected to achieve social and ecological outcomes. This achievement is challenging for management, as expectations from different stakeholders are only partly apparent and often conflicting. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a process model that supports the management of housing companies to systematically explore, evaluate, and integrate stakeholders’ interests into the company’s strategic targets. Findings – The integrated process model improves sustainable value creation, as stakeholders’ interests are transparent and can thus be better satisfied. Research limitations/implications – Due to the action research design, further research cycles and empirical testing with other companies are needed before findings can be generalised. Practical implications – The process enables housing companies to focus on value-generating activities, to react timely to changing needs, and to improve their relationships with stakeholders. Management benefits from increased clarity and legitimacy for strategic decisions as stakeholder demands are made transparent and integrated into the strategic targets. Originality/value – Compared to common participation approaches, all stakeholder groups are consulted, and their expectations are documented transparently within the suggested process model. This results in a better foundation for sustainable management planning and decisions.

European final energy consumption mainly stems from five sectors: transport, households, industry, residential, and agriculture using fossil fuels as dominant energy carriers. In order to achieve the climate targets, emissions in the demand sectors must be drastically reduced. Due to different characteristics and challenges each sector needs its own strategy how to achieve such decarbonization until 2050. In the following chapter, the impacts of an ambitious mitigation scenario on future energy demand and CO2 emissions for transport, industry, residential, and tertiary are analyzed discussing sector specific decarbonization strategies and mitigation options. Implications of such strategies for demand-side flexibility and its future need are analyzed.

Electricity demand is expected to increase strongly as electrification and the use of hydrogen are promising decarbonization options for the demand side sectors transport and industry. In a decentralized system with volatile renewable energy sources, flexibility potentials will play an important role for secure and cost-efficient electricity supply. On the demand side, decentralized PV-battery systems and electric vehicles as well as hydrogen production by electrolyzers could provide the necessary flexibility. Energy demand over time is calculated based on assumed and simulated market shares of these and other low-emission technologies. Impacts on the system and residual load are analyzed, with a focus on the contribution of load shifting as a demand-side measure. Results indicate that load shifting can contribute significantly to integrate RES electricity.

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