A pathway for the German energy sector compatible with a 1.5°C carbon budget

Abstract

Within the Helmholtz Climate Initiative focussiong on net zero 2050, we developed an energy transition pathway, which leads to a net zero emission society by mid-century and meets a carbon budget of 7 Gt CO2 for the German energy system consistent to the 1.5°C climate target. We combine a comprehensive energy system model with REMix, a cost optimization model focusing on power & heat and specifically sector coupling. To achieve the required CO2 reduction, the scenario aims at a direct or indirect electrification of all end use sectors until 2030. The BS results indicate, how fast the acceleration of the energy transition has to be implemented before 2030 and that this higher pace must be maintained thereafter until 2050, if the carbon budget is to be met.