The critical role of the industrial sector in reaching long-term emission reduction, energy efficiency and renewable targets. (15th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fais, Birgit; Sabio, Nagore; Strachan, Neil
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 162(2016)
• Page Start: 699
• Page End: 712
• Publication Date: 2016-01-15
• Subjects: Energy system analysis -- Industry sector -- Emission reduction -- Renewable energies -- Energy efficiency -- Policy interaction; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.10.112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: A new industrial modelling approach in a whole energy systems model is developed. The contribution of UK industry to long-term energy policy targets is analysed. Emission reductions of up to 77% can be achieved in the UK industry until 2050. The UK industry sector is essential for achieving the overall efficiency commitments. UK industry can make a moderate contribution to the expansion of renewable energies. Abstract: This paper evaluates the critical contribution of the industry sector to long-term decarbonisation, efficiency and renewable energy policy targets. Its methodological novelty is the incorporation of a process-oriented modelling approach based on a comprehensive technology database for the industry sector in a national energy system model for the UK (UKTM), allowing quantification of the role of both decarbonisation of upstream energy vectors and of mitigation options in the industrial sub-categories. This enhanced model is then applied in a comparative policy scenario analysis that explores various target dimensions on emission mitigation, renewable energy and energy efficiency at both a national and European level. The results show that ambitious emission cuts in the industry sector of up to 77% until 2050 compared to 2010 can be achieved. Moreover, with a reduction in industrial energy demand of up to 31% between 2010 and 2050, the sector is essential for achieving the overall efficiency commitments. The industry sector also makes a moderate contribution to the expansion of renewable energies mostly through the use of biomass for low-temperature heating services. However, additional sub-targets on renewable sources and energy efficiency need to be assessed critically, as they can significantly distort the cost-efficiency of the long-term mitigation pathway.