Energy Transition Pathways for Deep Decarbonization of the Greater Montreal Region: An Energy Optimization Framework

Sajad Aliakbari Sani, Azadeh Maroufmashat, Frédéric Babonneau, Olivier Bahn, Erick Delage, Alain Haurie, Normand Mousseau and Kathleen Vaillancourt
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Sajad Aliakbari Sani: GERAD (Group for Research in Decision Analysis) and Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 2A7, Canada
Azadeh Maroufmashat: GERAD (Group for Research in Decision Analysis) and Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 2A7, Canada
Frédéric Babonneau: Department of Operations Management-Supply Chain-Information Systems, KEDGE Business School, 680 Cr de la Libération, 33405 Talence, France
Olivier Bahn: GERAD (Group for Research in Decision Analysis) and Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 2A7, Canada
Erick Delage: GERAD (Group for Research in Decision Analysis) and Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 2A7, Canada
Alain Haurie: GERAD (Group for Research in Decision Analysis) and Department of Decision Sciences, HEC Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 2A7, Canada
Normand Mousseau: Département de Physique, Faculté des Arts et des Sciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
Kathleen Vaillancourt: ESMIA Consultants, Blainville, QC J7B 6B4, Canada

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: More than half of the world’s population live in cities, and by 2050, it is expected that this proportion will reach almost 68%. These densely populated cities consume more than 75% of the world’s primary energy and are responsible for the emission of around 70% of anthropogenic carbon. Providing sustainable energy for the growing demand in cities requires multifaceted planning approach. In this study, we modeled the energy system of the Greater Montreal region to evaluate the impact of different environmental mitigation policies on the energy system of this region over a long-term period (2020–2050). In doing so, we have used the open-source optimization-based model called the Energy–Technology–Environment Model (ETEM). The ETEM is a long-term bottom–up energy model that provides insight into the best options for cities to procure energy, and satisfies useful demands while reducing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions. Results show that, under a deep decarbonization scenario, the transportation, commercial, and residential sectors will contribute to emission reduction by 6.9, 1.6, and 1 million ton CO 2 -eq in 2050, respectively, compared with their 2020 levels. This is mainly achieved by (i) replacing fossil fuel cars with electric-based vehicles in private and public transportation sectors; (ii) replacing fossil fuel furnaces with electric heat pumps to satisfy heating demand in buildings; and (iii) improving the efficiency of buildings by isolating walls and roofs.

Keywords: bottom–up energy model; cities; deep decarbonization; energy policy; ETEM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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