Pathway analysis of a zero-emission transition in the Nordic-Baltic region

Peter D. Lund*, Klaus Skytte, Simon Bolwig, Torjus Folsland Bolkesjö, Claire Bergaentzlé, Philipp Andreas Gunkel, Jon Gustav Kirkerud, Antje Klitkou, Hardi Koduvere, Armands Gravelsins, Dagnija Blumberga, Lennart Söder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)
117 Downloads (Pure)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number3337
JournalEnergies
Volume12
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Aug 2019
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Decarbonization
  • Energy transition
  • Policies
  • Renewable energy
  • Sector coupling

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