C02 Emission Reduction in Canada: Results from an Energy System Model

Canada is committed to stabilizing emissions of greenhouse gases at 1990 levels by the year 2000. This paper examines the costs and benefits of meeting the key component of this commitment: energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The analysis uses a dynamic linear programming methodology to produce a process-oriented, techno-economic model of the Canadian energy system for the period 1990-2030. Three scenarios are analyzed to investigate the effects of sectoral vs. overall limits on C02 emissions compared to a "business-as-usual" (BAU) base case. The results from this work point to least-cost routes to CO2 emission reduction, as well as addressing the issue of "equity vs. efficiency" in achieving the reductions. Potential collateral benefits to emission reduction are also discussed.