How can we facilitate the transition of the energy system?

Abstract:
The energy transformation to reduce CO2 emissions have to use less amount of fossil fuels and their related technologies but will see an increase of carbon free technologies such as renewable electricity and heat generators. This paper analyzes how this transition in the energy sector (from to power sector to transport and heating) can be facilitated by an implementation of three key options: coal phase-out, imports and efficiency measures. By applying the techno-economic energy system model REMod-D, the “Energiewende” of the German energy system is studied. The paper concludes that these three key options play a significant part in shifting the energy sector as the implementation of these option can reduce the cost significantly. Furthermore it is shown that there is a beneficial influence on electricity and heat generation from renewables and on the change of vehicle concepts to reach the climate protection targets set until 2050.