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Title:
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CO2 abatement in Western European power generation
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Author(s):
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Published by:
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Publication date:
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ECN
Policy Studies
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1997
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ECN report number:
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Document type:
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ECN-C--97-053
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ECN publication
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Number of pages:
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Full text:
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84
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Download PDF
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Abstract:
The potential role of power generation technologies in the future WesternEuropean energy system is analysed. Various levels of CO2 emission abatement
and a range of other scenario conditions are considered. The study aims
mostly at the identification of technological directions and less at
instruments and policies to implement technologies. A wide range of energy
technologies has been considered, and the possible role of these technologies
has been assessed for each scenario and for each variant. First, the
potential role of power generation options under circumstances without a
carbon tax is analysed. Next, scenario runs with various carbon tax levels
are analysed. In the absence of carbon taxes gas- and coal-fired power are
the main options, with a competitive edge for gas-fired power in the first
decades of the next century, and the opposite in the remaining decades. Only
a few renewables other than hydro could become competitive, such as
biomass-fueled power and wind turbines. In case of moderate carbon taxes,
gas-fired power would become the power generation option of choice, and
coal-fired power would loose its market share. However, highly efficient
coal-fired power technology would remain economically viable. Nuclear power
would be competitive under such circumstances, just like hydroelectric power.
Of course, the development of nuclear power depends on public acceptance. The
scope for 'new' renewables is expanded under conditions of moderate carbon
taxes. A strategy for moderate CO2 reduction would require an RD&D portfolio
based on highly efficient fuel conversion technologies and renewables (wind
energy, biomass fueled power, photovoltaic power). In case of more stringent
carbon taxes (100 ECU/ton CO2) coal fired power would be phased out rapidly.
Nuclear and hydro-power would be still more economic than under moderate
carbon taxes. Biomass-fueled power, on-shore and off-shore wind energy, and
solar power in southern Europe would be introduced on a large scale. A
strategy for stringent CO2 reduction would require an RD&D portfolio based on
highly efficient conversion technologies for natural gas, as well as a number
of renewables, including photovoltaic power and off-shore wind energy. 29
figs., 30 tabs., 29 refs.
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