Decarbonization in Complex Energy Systems: A Study on the Feasibility of Carbon Neutrality for Switzerland in 2050

Abstract

Decarbonization gained prominence with the witnessed rise of temperature over recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the adoption of the Paris agreement for limiting the temperature increase within 2°C until 2050. Biogenic resources are explicitly indicated as carbon-neutral from Life Cycle Assessment perspective by the IPCC, shedding light on the carbon-neutral society by applying Biogenic Energy Carbon Capture for creating negative emissions. This article proposes a novel modeling approach by introducing carbon layers with specification on the principal carbon sources and sinks based upon an optimization algorithm, in order to solve the carbon loop issue in a highly interconnected energy system due to increasing penetration of biomass and carbon capture, use, and storage. This study contributes to quantifying biogenic and nonbiogenic carbon footprints, and optimizing the circular economy associated with a net-zero-emission society, in favor of policy-making for sustainable development in long terms.

Life-Cycle Assessment of Sector-Coupled National Energy Systems: Environmental Impacts of Electricity, Heat, and Transportation in Germany Till 2050

“…Also worth mentioning is the work of (Gençer et al, 2020), in which they developed the SESAME-tool to evaluate and compare energy transition pathways; however, SESAME does not include optimization. In the work of Li et al (2020), they developed a new modeling approach to optimize the carbon loop of biomass and carbon capture and storage for the carbon neutrality of Switzerland in 2050. However, Li et al (2020) focus on climate change and do not include an holistic LCA.…”

“…In the work of Li et al (2020), they developed a new modeling approach to optimize the carbon loop of biomass and carbon capture and storage for the carbon neutrality of Switzerland in 2050. However, Li et al (2020) focus on climate change and do not include an holistic LCA. Lopion et al (2018) reviewed energy system models and concluded that four elements are required to provide holistic insight for national GHG reduction strategies: 1) cross-sectoral technologies (Pregger et al, 2013;Lopion et al, 2018); 2) high temporal resolution (Lopion et al, 2018;Mallapragada et al, 2018;Victoria et al, 2019); 3) high spatial resolution (Haller et al, 2012;Lopion et al, 2018;Victoria et al, 2019); and 4) evaluating environmental impacts holistically, for which LCA is best suited (Lopion et al, 2018;Ringkjøb et al, 2018).…”

Towards Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Energy and Chemical Sectors in Switzerland and Beyond - A Review

“…A study by Li et al [21] also elucidated whether it is feasible to reach GHG neutrality in Switzerland, whereas the authors focused on carbon flows in the system and details on the energy flows were not revealed. In agreement with the 'Energieperspektiven 2050+', the study suggested that net-zero emissions until 2050 can be reached, however necessitates the capture of as much as 20 Mt of CO 2 , of which 14 Mt or 30% of today's emissions will be sequestrated.…”

Proof of Renewable (PoR) the ROBe2 Protocol

“…In addition, the damage fossil fuels are causing in urban areas is causing hundreds of thousands of cases of premature deaths and respiratory illness [9]. Because of the seriousness of these issues, the Paris Climate Accord has declared a state of emergency and has called for a reduction in all carbon emissions with the goal of being carbon neutral by the year 2050 as well as declaring the objective of keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels within this century and further to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C [10].…”