Energy | Working Paper
Electrification and sustainable fuels : competing for wind and sun
26 May 2021
BY: Ronnie Belmans, DOS REIS Piero Carlo, VINGERHOETS Pieter
This study seeks to answer a simple question: will we have enough renewable electricity to meet all of the EU's decarbonisation objectives, and, if not, what should be the priorities and how to address the remaining needs for energy towards carbon neutrality? Indeed, if not, the policy push for green hydrogen would not be covered by enough green electricity to match the “energy efficiency and electrification first” approach outlined in the system integration communication, and a prioritization of green electricity uses complemented by other solutions (import of green electricity or sustainable fuels, CCS...) would be advisable [1]. On one hand, we show that the principle “Energy efficiency and electrification first” results in an electricity demand which will be very difficult to satisfy domestically with renewable energy. On the other hand, green hydrogen and other sustainable fuels will be needed for a carbon neutral industry, for the replacement of the fuel for aviation and navigation, and as strategic green energy reserves. The detailed modelling of these interactions is challenging, given the large uncertainties on technology and infrastructure development. Therefore, we offer a “15 mins” decarbonization scenario based on general and transparent technical considerations and very straightforward “back-of-envelope” calculations. This working paper contains the calculations and assumptions in support of the accompanying policy brief with the same title, which focuses instead on the main take-aways.
logo cadmus Read it on Cadmus Download in open access

LATEST FSR PUBLICATIONS

Technical Report
As stated by the OECD, “water security in many regions will continue to deteriorate due to increasing water demand, water stress and water pollution.” Indeed water supply and sanitation (WSS) [...]
Other
Multimodal digital mobility services (MDMS) are instrumental to fostering multimodality as they promote comparability, transparency, and the selling of products across operators and modes. MDMS stand to directly benefit passengers [...]
Article
We need to wonder if a reform of the EU internal electricity market would suffice to deliver EU energy security, decarbonization, and electrification. Regrettably, this is not the case. Let [...]
Other
La crise énergétique a révélé l’incapacité de l’or- ganisation du marché européen de l’électricité à répondre aux trois défis de la décarbonation, de la sécurité d’approvisionnement et des prix abordables. [...]
Technical Report
Réussir l’électrification des usages pour mener la transition écologique et renforcer la souveraineté énergétique et industrielle de la France. Selon les principaux scénarios, la trajectoire de décarbonation entraînera une augmentation [...]
Technical Report
La notion de « réforme des marchés européens de l’électricité » est tout à fait d’actualité au moment où nous rédigeons ce document de travail, au début de l’année 2023. [...]

Join our community

To meet, discuss and learn in the channel that suits you best.

scroll

top