Towards Low-Carbon Multi-Energy Systems: The Hessian Energy Transition

Germany targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 to limit global warming to 1.5 deg C. With the fifth largest gross regional product of the German states, Hesse plays a relevant role in achieving the target. This study uses a linear programming-based, partial equilibrium model based exclusively on open data, to investigate whether and how Hesse can decarbonize its energy system. Three scenarios are studied. The BASE scenario shows that although increasing C02 prices generates a push towards low-carbon energy systems, this process happens too slowly to contain global warming. Similarly, the CO285 scenario shows that reaching 85% emissions reduction by 2045 is also insufficient to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 deg C. The CO2MAX scenario illustrates that effectively containing climate change requires a combined effort to rapidly transform the current energy systems. For example, while in the first two scenarios gas power plants are used as bridge technology for a latter integration of wind and solar parks, the CO2MAX scenario skips this intermediate step.