Effects of sustainable energy consumption for Austria (e-co)

The project e-co analysed the effects of sustainable energy consumption on the economy, the environment and on society by following the Austrian goals in the fields of energy and climate policy until the year 2020. For this analysis scenarios focussing on renewable energy, an increase of energy efficiency and a reduction of energy consumption in private households were simulated and evaluated through an environment-energy-economy model.

The project’s methodology built on the development, modelling and evaluation of several scenarios which consider all three corner stones for a reorientation towards sustainable energy consumption: the increase of renewable energy, the increase of energy efficiency and the reduction of energy consumption in private households. These three approaches complement each other and only a combination of all three of them may enable the sustainable development of energy consumption. Due to the interactions and feed-back reactions between various measures it is of great importance to analyse them within an integrative framework.

The scenarios were analysed through an integrated environment-energy-economy model (e3 model – environment – energy – economy) which needed to be updated and adapted within the project e-co in order to provide suitable quantifications. After its adaptation, the macro-economic multi-sector simulation model posed an appropriate tool for analysis by explicitly and consistently considering the complex and diverse interactions between various economic branches. The scenarios’ effects on the economy, the environment and on the labour market could thus be displayed in great detail. The results could be used to evaluate the different scenarios of future developments. Based on these scenario evaluations policy recommendations were formulated about how to best reconcile sustainable energy consumption.

For the processes of scenario development, modelling and evaluation a selection of stakeholders (lobbyists, politicians and experts) in the fields of energy policy and energy provision were actively involved in the scientific work in order to enrich the scientists’ and experts’ research and decision process by their experiences, knowledge and preferences. The project thus contributed to the alliance of science and practice by supporting the dialogue between stakeholders and scientists and by increasing the transparency of the modelling process.

The simulation clearly showed that far reaching measures are necessary in order to reach the Austrian climate and energy goals. A change of behaviour reveals a huge potential.

Further details:

News on results and press coverage (German only)

This project was funded by the Austrian Klima- und Energiefonds and is conducted within the programme “Energie der Zukunft, 1st call”. Link: www.klimafonds.gv.at