In Short: Energy experts worldwide are harnessing advanced simulation technologies to model and strategize for a net-zero future. These simulations, often utilizing complex algorithms and data analytics, enable researchers to assess various scenarios, such as the integration of renewable energy sources, electrification of transportation, and the impact of policy changes on carbon emissions.
In Detail : At the 2023 workshop, two dozen participants from ministries and other organizations of 12 countries gathered in person at Argonne to discover and compare various decarbonization paths and technological options using energy system-wide models.
The workshop focused heavily on deepening the one-to-one collaborations in energy system-wide modeling established through the initiative via hands-on joint modeling sessions and discussions. Participants also presented their challenges and priorities and a concluding panel discussion included representatives from the World Bank and DOE national labs.
Learning from each other on the pathway to progress
Among those leading the workshop was Argonne scientist Hyekyung Clarisse Kim, co-manager of the Net Zero World Initiative’s Technical Program.
Through Net Zero World, she said, DOE is mobilizing innovative technology and expertise from its national laboratories to help partnering countries develop clean energy plans.
“Climate change is a global challenge that cannot be solved by one laboratory, one institution or one country. The Net Zero World Initiative fosters international cooperation that is critical to reaching decarbonization goals on a global scale,” said Kim. “This initiative is also about peer learning. U.S. laboratories and agencies are transferring their knowledge and expertise to other countries, but we are learning from other countries as well.”
Each year, Net Zero World issues a report providing expert analysis and progress on each country’s pathway at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The 2022 report, “Preliminary Analysis of Decarbonization Pathways for Five Countries: The Net Zero World Initiative Report Series – 01,” is available online.
The 2023 Net Zero World report will be presented at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
Along with Argonne, DOE national labs working on Net Zero World are the National Energy Technology Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Brookhaven, Idaho, Lawrence Berkeley, Lawrence Livermore, Oak Ridge, Pacific Northwest and Sandia national laboratories. Net Zero World is a public-private partnership with funding from DOE as well as other government and philanthropic organizations.