Abstract
This paper presents the methodology and results of impact assessment of renewable energy policies on atmospheric emissions of mercury in Europe. The modeling exercise described here involves an interaction of several models. First, a set of energy scenarios has been developed with the REMix (Renewable Energy Mix) model that simulates different levels of penetration of renewable energies in the European power sector. The energy scenarios were input to the GAINS (Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies) model, which prepared projections of mercury releases to the atmosphere through 2050, based on the current air pollution control policies in each country. Data on mercury emissions from individual sectors were subsequently disaggregated to a fine spatial resolution using various proxy parameters. Finally, the dispersion of mercury in the atmosphere was computed by the chemistry transport model, implemented to the air quality system, Polyphemus. The simulations provided information on changes in concentrations and depositions of various forms of mercury over Europe. Scenarios that simulate a substantial expansion of renewable energies within the power sector indicate extensive co-benefits for mercury abatement, due to the restructuring of the energy system and changes in the fuel mix. The potential for mercury reductions in Europe depends on the rate of fuel switches and renewable technology deployment, but is also influenced by the stringency and timing of the air quality measures. The overall scope for co-benefits is therefore higher in regions relying on coal combustion as a major energy source.
Highlights
During the last few decades, many studies have investigated the environmental impacts of anthropogenic releases of mercury (Hg)
greenhouse gases (GHG) and to deploy renewable electricity sources going beyond the current policies; and (2) the Maximum Renewable Power (MAX) scenario that assumes the decarbonization of the European energy system, including the highest possible electricity (ELE) generation from renewables by 2050
The Hg emissions in Europe would have been 35% to 45% higher without the co-control effects of technologies abating other air pollutants, air pollution control devices (APCD) assumed in the Baseline scenario are insufficient to prevent future emission growth in some of the non-European Union (EU) countries
Summary
During the last few decades, many studies have investigated the environmental impacts of anthropogenic releases of mercury (Hg). The modeling exercise described here was carried out within the EU’s Earth Observation for Monitoring and Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Energy Use (EnerGEO) project and involves the interaction of several models tracing the mercury from its sources to its deposition over the European continent. In this analysis, emissions of mercury are calculated for each country in Europe, including members of the EU and non-EU states, as well as the European part of the Russian Federation.
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