Scenarios for Western Europe on long term abatement of CO2 emissions

The differences in assumptions result in distinctly different baseline CO₂ emissions, ranging from almost stable CO₂ emissions to a continuous growth emissions. Several cases with a range of CO₂ emission taxes were also calculated to identify cost-effective strategies for CO₂ emission reduction and to assess the potential contribution of energy technologies and sectors to CO₂ reduction. Energy efficiency improvements are shown to have the highest potential to contribute to CO₂ emission reduction. Fossil fuel switching and nuclear energy are relatively cost-effective ways to reduce CO₂ emissions. The contribution of renewables to CO₂ reduction is relatively small with low CO₂ taxes but is substantial with high CO₂ tax levels.