Comparing net-zero pathways across the Atlantic: A model inter-comparison exercise between the Energy Modelling Forum 37 and the European Climate and Energy Modelling Forum
Europe and North America account for 32% of current carbon emissions. Due to distinct legacy systems, energy infrastructure, socioeconomic development, and energy resource endowment, both regions have different policy and technological pathways to reach net zero by the mid-century. Against this background, our paper examines the results from the net-zero emission scenarios for Europe and North America that emerged from the collaboration of the European and American Energy Modelling Forums.
In our analysis, we perform an inter-comparison of various integrated assessments and bottom-up energy system models. A clear qualitative consensus emerges on four main points. First, Europe and the United States reach net zero targets with electrification, demand-side reductions, and carbon capture and sequestration technologies. Second, the use of carbon capture and sequestration is more predominant in the United States due to a steeper decarbonisation schedule. Third, the buildings sector is the easiest to electrify in both regions. Finally, the industrial sector is the hardest to electrify in the United States and the transportation sector is the hardest to electrify in Europe.
Authors
Specifications
- Publication title
- Comparing net zero pathways across the Atlantic A model inter-comparison exercise between the Energy Modeling Forum 37 and the European Climate and Energy Modeling Forum
- Publication date
- 17 July 2024
- Publication type
- Article
- Publication language
- English
- Magazine
- Energy and Climate Change
- Issue
- Volume 5, December 2024, 100144
- Product number
- 5643
