1. Ex-post analysis of energy subsidy removal through integrated energy systems modelling.
- Author
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Aryanpur, V., Ghahremani, M., Mamipour, S., Fattahi, M., Ó Gallachóir, B., Bazilian, M.D., and Glynn, J.
- Subjects
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ENERGY subsidies , *CARBON emissions , *ENERGY development , *POWER resources , *ELECTRIC power consumption , *ENERGY consumption - Abstract
Energy subsidies can incentivise the overconsumption of energy resources and contribute to other economic or social distortions. In this paper, an ex-post analysis is presented that explores the extent to which electricity subsidy reform could have reduced Iran's energy demand during the period 1984–2017. It also quantifies the techno-economic and environmental benefits that could have been achieved through such reforms. A time-varying econometric model is linked to an energy systems optimisation model. The former estimates electricity demand under different subsidy removal scenarios, and the latter identifies the cost-optimal generation mix to meet the demand. The results of cost-optimal transition pathways under subsidy removal scenarios are compared with the real-world energy system development during the study horizon. The comparison reveals that the subsidy reform could have reduced the total cumulative electricity consumption by 22%. Renewable share in power generation could have increased from 5% to 15%. Moreover, the reform combined with a cost-optimal generation pathway would have saved $69 billion and avoided 944 million tons of CO 2 emissions. The analysis also shows that every five-year delay in subsidy removal causes about 100 million tons of additional CO 2 emissions. Finally, the paper presents lessons learnt for future energy modelling. • An ex-post analysis quantifies the benefits of energy subsidy reform in the power sector. • The total cumulative electricity consumption could have been reduced by 22%. • Renewable share in power generation could have tripled. • Subsidy reforms combined with cost-optimal generation could have saved $69 billion. • The paper presents lessons learnt for future energy modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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