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Recoupling Climate Change and Air Quality: Exploring Low-Emission Options in Urban Transportation Using the TIMES-City Model

Author

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  • Jonas Forsberg

    (Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden)

  • Anna Krook-Riekkola

    (Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden)

Abstract

Fossil fuels in transportation are a significant source of local emissions in and around cities; thus, decarbonising transportation can reduce both greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air pollutants (APs). However, the degree of these reductions depends on what replaces fossil fuels. Today, GHG and AP mitigation strategies are typically ‘decoupled’ as they have different motivations and responsibilities. This study investigates the ancillary benefits on (a) APs if the transport sector is decarbonised, and (b) GHGs if APs are drastically cut and (c) the possible co-benefits from targeting APs and GHGs in parallel, using an energy-system optimisation model with a detailed and consistent representation of technology and fuel choices. While biofuels are the most cost-efficient option for meeting ambitious climate-change-mitigation targets, they have a very limited effect on reducing APs. Single-handed deep cuts in APs require a shift to zero-emission battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (BEVs, HFCVs), which can result in significant upstream GHG emissions from electricity and hydrogen production. BEVs powered by ‘green’ electricity are identified as the most cost-efficient option for substantially cutting both GHGs and APs. A firm understanding of these empirical relationships is needed to support comprehensive mitigation strategies that tackle the range of sustainability challenges facing cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonas Forsberg & Anna Krook-Riekkola, 2021. "Recoupling Climate Change and Air Quality: Exploring Low-Emission Options in Urban Transportation Using the TIMES-City Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:11:p:3220-:d:566407
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    1. José A. Ventura, 2023. "Climate Benefits Advocated by the Development of Sustainable Vehicles and Charging Infrastructures in the Transport Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-5, April.
    2. Ren, Lei & Zhou, Sheng & Peng, Tianduo & Ou, Xunmin, 2022. "Greenhouse gas life cycle analysis of China's fuel cell medium- and heavy-duty trucks under segmented usage scenarios and vehicle types," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    3. Sajad Aliakbari Sani & Azadeh Maroufmashat & Frédéric Babonneau & Olivier Bahn & Erick Delage & Alain Haurie & Normand Mousseau & Kathleen Vaillancourt, 2022. "Energy Transition Pathways for Deep Decarbonization of the Greater Montreal Region: An Energy Optimization Framework," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-18, May.
    4. Inese Mavlutova & Dzintra Atstaja & Janis Grasis & Jekaterina Kuzmina & Inga Uvarova & Dagnija Roga, 2023. "Urban Transportation Concept and Sustainable Urban Mobility in Smart Cities: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-16, April.

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