Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Major/Program
Environmental Studies
First Advisor's Name
Mahadev G. Bhat
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee chair
Second Advisor's Name
Pallab Mozumder
Second Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Third Advisor's Name
Shetty Kateel
Third Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Keywords
Energy transition, France, Germany, greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels, renewables
Date of Defense
6-26-2019
Abstract
Following the Paris Accord of 2015, multiple countries, including France and Germany, promised to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to slow down climate change. Current energy production and consumption patterns do not allow for such targets. Meeting these emission reduction goals requires a transition in energy production. Energy transitions can be inefficient and costly if not planned properly, and multiple constraints need to be taken into account when putting such a process in place. The model proposed in the present study aims to find the most cost-effective energy portfolios for France and Germany, two highly industrialized nations in Europe. The model consists of national total energy production cost function and characterizes least-cost pathway to supply energy while meeting the greenhouse gas emission targets until 2030. This model can be applied to other nations and regions of the world. The current research also conducts various scenario simulations to observe how different changes, such as GHG constraints or demand variation can affect the energy sector in the future. It is found that meeting GHG emission targets for both countries is financially feasible, and could be met through a reduction in overall energy demand as well as making a partial shift towards low-carbon renewable energy sources.
Identifier
FIDC007807
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1398-9201
Recommended Citation
Fache, Anna, "Generating Alternatives: The Possible Energy Transitions for France and Germany after the Paris Accord" (2019). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4227.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4227
Included in
Environmental Studies Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Sustainability Commons
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