Economic and environmental multi-objective optimisation to evaluate the impact of Belgian policy on solar power and electric vehicles. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Schepper, Ellen; Van Passel, Steven; Lizin, Sebastien; Vincent, Thomas; Martin, Benjamin; Gandibleux, Xavier
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental economics and policy. Volume 5:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: mixed integer programming -- branch and bound -- energy -- transport -- LCC -- LCA; Environmental economics -- Periodicals; Environmental policy -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1080/21606544.2015.1019569
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-6544

Abstract

Abstract : This research uses multi-objective optimisation to determine the optimal mixture of energy and transportation technologies, while optimising economic and environmental impacts. We demonstrate the added value of using multi-objective mixed integer linear programming (MOMILP) considering economies of scale versus using continuous multi-objective linear programming assuming average cost intervals. This paper uses an improved version to solve MOMILPs exactly. To differentiate optimal solutions with and without subsidies, the impact of policy on the Pareto frontier is assessed. We distinguish between minimising economic life cycle costs (complete rationality) and required investments (bounded rationality). The approach is illustrated using a Belgian company with demands for electricity and transport. Electricity technologies are solar photovoltaics and the grid; transportation includes internal combustion engine vehicles, grid powered battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and solar-powered BEVs. The impact of grid powered BEVs to reduce GHG emissions is limited, yet they are less costly than solar panels to decrease emissions. Current policy measures are found to be properly targeting rational investors who consider life cycle costs, while private (potentially bounded rational) investors often focus on required investments only.