Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Multi-Sectoral Energy Transformation Pathways: Methodological Approach and Case Study for Germany

• DOI: 10.3390/su12198225
• Publication Date: 2020-10-06T14:46:17Z
• Authors: Tobias Junne; Sonja Simon; Jens Buchgeister; Maximilian Saiger; Manuel Baumann; Martina Haase; Christina Wulf; Tobias Naegler
• Keywords: Energy transformation; Scenario analysis; Impact assessment

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