Defining deep decarbonization pathways for Switzerland: an economic evaluation

This paper aims at simulating deep decarbonization pathways for Switzerland. The analysis relies on macro-economic simulations of GEMINI-E3, a computable general equilibrium model used to assess the energy and economic impacts of a Swiss low carbon society. The DDP scenarios assume a CO2 emissions target in 2050 of 1 ton per capita, following the Swiss climate target, which represents a 76% abatement with respect to 1990 levels. The paper discusses several options and scenarios compatible with this emissions target that appears to be quite challenging. The scenarios are compared to a reference scenario which assumes that Switzerland will reach a 20% reduction of CO2 emissions relative to 1990 levels, using instruments that have already been defined (e.g., building refurbishment program, regulation of CO2 emissions for new automobiles, CO2 tax on stationary fuels, Swiss emission trading scheme market, etc.).