Transitioning Towards a Sustainable Energy System: A Case Study of Baden-Württemberg

Abstract

The development and use of renewable energy sources are important to combat current climate change. The paper examines possible pathways to a climate-neutral Baden-Württemberg by 2045, with a focus on a significant reduction in CO2 emissions in the different sectors. In this paper, a reference energy system of the region was modelled using the EnergyPLAN model based on data from 2020. Regarding the expansion targets for renewable energies in Baden-Württemberg by 2040, four scenarios were developed. These focus on the main sectors: transport, heat, industry and electricity. This includes a complete substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energies, and in the industrial sectors, conventional energy is replaced by green hydrogen. In all scenarios, significant CO2 emission reductions of up to 8.68 Mt can be achieved, which underlines the feasibility of climate neutrality in Baden-Württemberg through the expansion of renewable energies and technological change. This work provides some of the key insights needed to further support policymakers and researchers in their work to improve energy systems. This can therefore help to develop better strategies to effectively reduce emissions and thus advance Baden-Württemberg's goals of climate- neutral economy. As this paper was a first step, further research in this direction is needed to successfully achieve these goals.