The feasibility of low CO2 concentration targets and the role of bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)
Journal article, 2010
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC 1992) calls for stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. We use three global energy system models to investigate the technological and economic attainability of meeting CO2 concentration targets below current levels. Our scenario studies reveal that while energy portfolios from a broad range of energy technologies are needed to attain low concentrations, negative emission technologies-e.g., biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)-significantly enhances the possibility to meet low concentration targets (at around 350 ppm CO2).
Author
Christian Azar
Chalmers, Energy and Environment, Physical Resource Theory
Kristian Lindgren
Chalmers, Energy and Environment, Physical Resource Theory
M. Obersteiner
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
K. Rihai
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
D. van Duuren
PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
M.G.J den Elzen
PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
Kenneth Möllersten
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
E.D. Larsson
Climate Central
Princeton University
Climatic Change
0165-0009 (ISSN) 1573-1480 (eISSN)
Vol. 100 1 195-202Subject Categories
Physical Sciences
Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified
Other Environmental Engineering
Other Physics Topics
Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
DOI
10.1007/s10584-010-9832-7