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Exploring the macro-scale CO2 mitigation potential of photovoltaics and wind energy in Europe's energy transition

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  • Usubiaga, Arkaitz
  • Acosta-Fernández, José
  • McDowall, Will
  • Li, Francis G.N.

Abstract

Replacing traditional technologies by renewables can lead to an increase of emissions during early diffusion stages if the emissions avoided during the use phase are exceeded by those associated with the deployment of new units. Based on historical developments and on counterfactual scenarios in which we assume that selected renewable technologies did not diffuse, we conclude that onshore and offshore wind energy have had a positive contribution to climate change mitigation since the beginning of their diffusion in EU27. In contrast, photovoltaic panels did not pay off from an environmental standpoint until very recently, since the benefits expected at the individual plant level were offset until 2013 by the CO2 emissions related to the construction and deployment of the next generation of panels. Considering the varied energy mixes and penetration rates of renewable energies in different areas, several countries can experience similar time gaps between the installation of the first renewable power plants and the moment in which the emissions from their infrastructure are offset.

Suggested Citation

  • Usubiaga, Arkaitz & Acosta-Fernández, José & McDowall, Will & Li, Francis G.N., 2017. "Exploring the macro-scale CO2 mitigation potential of photovoltaics and wind energy in Europe's energy transition," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 203-213.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:104:y:2017:i:c:p:203-213
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2017.01.056
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Anders Arvesen & Steve Völler & Christine Roxanne Hung & Volker Krey & Magnus Korpås & Anders Hammer Strømman, 2021. "Emissions of electric vehicle charging in future scenarios: The effects of time of charging," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(5), pages 1250-1263, October.
    3. Blanco, Herib & Codina, Victor & Laurent, Alexis & Nijs, Wouter & Maréchal, François & Faaij, André, 2020. "Life cycle assessment integration into energy system models: An application for Power-to-Methane in the EU," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    4. Yuan, Rong & Rodrigues, João F.D. & Tukker, Arnold & Behrens, Paul, 2018. "The impact of the expansion in non-fossil electricity infrastructure on China’s carbon emissions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 1994-2008.

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