Low-carbon fuels will be indispensable in achieving net-zero emissions. But how well are they represented in global energy and climate models?
Low-carbon fuels (LCFs) will be indispensable in achieving net-zero emissions. But how well are they represented in global energy and climate models?
In a new paper, Zipeng Liu, Meixi Zhang, and co-authors
- Map the landscape of how the 20+ leading models currently include low-carbon fuels, uncovering key ambiguities in definitions, system boundaries, and modelling choices.
- Propose a clear taxonomy of LCF technologies based on production pathways and feedstock — covering low-carbon electricity, biomass, and natural gas routes.
- Deliver a deep techno-economic & environmental profile of each LCF and offer practical strategies to better integrate full life-cycle assessment (LCA).
- Compare scenario outcomes to show how model structure and assumption differences shift LCFs’ roles in Net Zero pathways.
The authors call for clearer assumptions, finer temporal and spatial detail, and more sectors represented in models. Importantly, they also stress incorporating non-CO2 emissions, land-use change, and policy instruments—key ingredients for realistic and robust decarbonization pathways.
Read their article here.
Funding for this research was provided by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy's SHELTERED and reFuel.ch projects, from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI's PRISMA project, and from Horizon Europe.