Going beyond European emission targets: Pathways for an urban energy transition in the city of Riga.

The city of Riga, currently updating their energy planning strategy for 2020–2030, surpassed the emission reduction target of the EU for 2030. Suitable targets for Riga are a reduction by 61% (2030) and 70% (2050), respectively, compared to 1990 levels. To achieve these objectives, this paper describes the research work defining pathways and measures in line with the planned actions of Riga, that focus on three thematic areas: green hydrogen, solar engagement, and modern transportation. The characterisation and comparison of the pathways is based on a graphical indicator method and weighting different factors accordingly to the Riga energy framework. The research done shows that production of green hydrogen is economically viable for Riga, achieving a Levelized Cost of Electricity of 0.0395 EUR/kWh and a Levelized Cost of Hydrogen of 3.67 EUR/kgH 2. Rooftop photovoltaic systems represent an appealing option for the citizens if a feed-in tariff of 0.1 EUR/kWh is awarded. As additional outcomes, this paper proposes alternative loan schemes such as voucher return packages that can foster citizen engagement in renewable projects and defines strategies to reduce road emissions that could include the development of microalgae carbon capture systems and the creation of a fossil-free last-mile delivery zone. • Identification of indicators and targets for a decarbonization strategy. • Competitive Levelized Cost of Hydrogen via wind power production increase. • Break even feed-in tariff for a growing rooftop PV systems adoption. • Solar potential map or alternative loan schemes fostering citizen engagement. • Implementing biological carbon capture and fossil-free last-mile delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]