Journal Article

FZJ-2020-04103

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Environmental sustainability assessment of multi-sectoral energy transformation pathways: Methodological approach and case study for Germany

Junne, T. (Corresponding author) ; Simon, S. ; Buchgeister, J. ; Saiger, M. ; Baumann, M. ; Haase, M. ; Wulf, C.FZJ* ; Naegler, T.

2020
MDPI Basel

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/25955  doi:10.3390/su12198225

Abstract: In order to analyse long-term transformation pathways, energy system models generally focus on economical and technical characteristics. However, these models usually do not consider sustainability aspects such as environmental impacts. In contrast, life cycle assessment enables an extensive estimate of those impacts. Due to these complementary characteristics, the combination of energy system models and life cycle assessment thus allows comprehensive environmental sustainability assessments of technically and economically feasible energy system transformation pathways. We introduce FRITS, a FRamework for the assessment of environmental Impacts of Transformation Scenarios. FRITS links bottom-up energy system models with life cycle impact assessment indicators and quantifies the environmental impacts of transformation strategies of the entire energy system (power, heat, transport) over the transition period. We apply the framework to conduct an environmental assessment of multi-sectoral energy scenarios for Germany. Here, a ‘Target’ scenario reaching 80% reduction of energy-related direct CO2 emissions is compared with a ‘Reference’ scenario describing a less ambitious transformation pathway. The results show that compared to 2015 and the ‘Reference’ scenario, the ‘Target’ scenario performs better for most life cycle impact assessment indicators. However, the impacts of resource consumption and land use increase for the ‘Target’ scenario. These impacts are mainly caused by road passenger transport and biomass conversion

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Systemforschung und Technologische Entwicklung (IEK-STE)

Research Program(s):

1. 153 - Assessment of Energy Systems – Addressing Issues of Energy Efficiency and Energy Security (POF3-153) (POF3-153)

Appears in the scientific report 2020

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