The TIAM-UCL Global Energy Systems Model: Critical Comparison of UK and Global Climate Decarbonisation Trajectories
Mr William Usher, Energy Institute, University College London Given the limited progress achieved at COP 15 in Copenhagen, UK based policy makers and international negotiators have a need to understand the economic, environmental and technological implications of meeting CO2 emission reductions at least cost under differential levels of domestic and international policy ambition. However, there is currently a large difference between the stated ambition in carbon reduction levels of the UK and other countries. The UK has set an ambitious long-term mitigation target of 80% CO2 reduction over 1990 levels by 2050. This can be achieved solely through domestic reduction or in conjunction with purchasing emissions credits on the international market. The carbon price on the international market is heavily influenced by regional and country-specific climate policy ambition. Whereas the UK has committed to a legally binding CO2 emissions target, major economic powers, such as the USA and China, have committed only to modest reductions in the carbon intensity of GDP. This paper analyses the economics of domestic CO2 reductions to meet UK’s long-term target under four global scenarios that Read more…
Categories: Academic Papers, Energy and environment, Energy economics, Energy modelling, Energy policy
Tags: Carbon price, CO2 reduction, COP15, Energy in a Low carbon economy, Global trade conference 2010, Partial equilibrium energy economic model, Targets, TIAM-UCL model
Sep
2010