Research project CP/25 (Research action CP)
Context
For many years air pollution policy was based on fixing location independent emission standards. However, problems of acidification and tropospheric ozone are not as critical in all areas of Europe. For instance, the desert in Spain is not so vulnerable for acidification as wildlife area in Norway or densely populated areas. In the RAINS model, environmental objectives are formulated in terms of location dependent depositions. From these objectives, the RAINS model calculates cost-effective national emission limitations for all European countries. This model has been used by the EU in the preparation of the National Emission Ceilings directive. This directive states that Belgium by 2010 will have to reduce SO2 emissions by 73%, compared with 1990 levels. For NOx the reduction is - 48%, for VOC - 58% en for NH3 - 31%. The challenge for Belgium will be to realise these reductions. On top of that, Belgium will have to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission by 7,5% compared with 1990 level.
Project description
Objectives
The cost-efficiency aspect in the RAINS model is based on national emission reduction cost curves. Cost-curves express the minimum expenses to be made to reduce emissions by a certain amount. RAINS cost curves only consider single pollutant emission reduction technologies. Therefore, this analysis is not complete and does not guarantee the highest welfare. In this project, both single-pollutant reduction technologies and multi-pollutant reduction technologies will be considered. The objectives of the project can be summarised as follows:
- To demonstrate the relevance of this issue. The first task is to identify the potential for multi-pollutant reduction technologies, process changes and fuel substitution.
- To formulate a theoretical framework for the allocation of emission reduction costs to single pollutants. To design a practical tool for marginal reduction costs calculation. To quantify the benefits of a simultaneous approach.
- To design theoretical and practical systems for the distribution of emission reduction costs to different polluters.
- Making tools (database, optimisation routine, simulation routine) available for the analysis of policy options, the quantification of reduction programs and the burden sharing in the regional context.
Methodology
The first issue is the creation of a national emissions database from the figures of the three regions. For large industrial point sources, this database will contain very detailed information on applied production technologies and energy consumption.
This database will contain technical and economical information on reduction technologies (both primary measures and end-of pipe measures). For evaluating early replacement of existing equipment, replacement best available technologies (BAT) should also be included.
The database will be used in a simulation- and optimisation module. The aim of the simulation module is to design emission projections for the next 15/20 years, taking into account planned policy and technological evolution. The optimisation module will be used to calculate least cost scenario’s, for the derivation of cost curves and to evaluate the benefits of a multi-pollutant approach.
In a second stage of the project, the model will be used to design policy scenario’s as well as for the evaluation of policy options.
Finally, we would like to investigate the impacts on the burden sharing whether a policy is based on minimising total costs or on any other welfare objective. For this purpose we do not have the intention to make an additional general equilibrium or econometric simulation model. Rather we would like to use existing tools that have been designed in other SPSD I or SPSD II projects.
The project team is a typical "Belgian" one. Four research teams from three regions participate in the project. VITO has designed the project scope and acts as project co-ordinator as well. VMM is a Flemish partner in the research team, responsible for the collection of emission data for Flanders. IW is the Walloon partner in the project. IW will supply the Walloon emission figures and make the design of the database. Finally the Brussels institute for environmental policy (IBGE) will supply the Brussels emission figures.
Expected results
The tools (database, simulation and optimalisation modules) that will be developed will support emission reduction environmental policy. It will be possible to demonstrate the advantages of a simultaneous approach. As the model will include the regional dimension, the model car also be used to support the regional burden sharing discussions. Furthermore, the model will support long term strategical decision-making and improve consistency in short term and long term environmental policy. Research results will be published in order to draw the public attention to the results.
Partners
Activities
VITO has designed the project scope and acts as project co-ordinator. VITO supports emission reduction policy by different actions, including the development of the Flemish energy balances and by the realisation of sectoral emission reduction potential studies. VITO will design and perform the modelling work, scenario building, calculating marginal reduction cost curves.
The IW’s different domains of activity are integrated in the most global concept of sustainable development. Here, IW will design the national emissions database and work on the emission figures for the Walloon region. IW will also participate in the scenario development and in the policy research.
VMM is responsible for the registration and reporting of all emission figures in the Flanders. Here, VMM will supply emission figures on a very detailed level for all important industrial installations and on a more aggregated level for other sources.
IBGE/BIM will supply the emission figures for Brussels.
Contact Information
Promoter
Jan Duerinck
Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek
Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol
jan.duerinck@vito.be
http://www.vito.be
Partners
Françoise Nemry
Institut Wallon
4, boulevard Frére Orban, B-5000 Namur
f.nemry@iwallon.be
http://www.iwallon.be
Marie-Rose Van den Hende
Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij
Alfons Van de Maelestraat 96, B-9320 Erembodegem
m.vandenhende@vmm.be
http://www.vmm.be
Marianne Squibin
Brussels Instituut voor Milieubeheer
Gulledelle 100, B-1200 Brussels
msq@ibgebim.be
http://www.ibgebim.be
Users Committee
- Thomas Bernheim - Federaal Planbureau - Task Force Duurzame Ontwikkeling - Brussel
- Johan Brouwers - Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij (VMM) - MIRA - Mechelen
- Lieven Capon - SPF Santé publique, Sécurité de la Chaîne alimentaire et Environnement - Services fédéraux pour les Affaires environmentales - Bruxelles
- Sophie Closson - SPF Santé publique, Sécurité de la Chaîne alimentaire et Environnement - Services fédéraux pour les Affaires environnementales - Etudes et coordination - Bruxelles
- Claude Delbeuck - Ministère de la Région Wallonne - Direction générale des Ressources Naturelles et de l'Environnement (DGRNE) - Jambes
- Christian Ferdinand - SPF Economie, PME, Classes moyennes et Energie - Bruxelles
- Caroline Gallez - Faculté Polytechnique de Mons - Mons
- Gabriel Michaux - SPF Economie, PME, Classes moyennes et Energie - Energy Policy Division - Bruxelles
- Bob Nieuwejaers - Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap - AMINAL - Sectie Lucht - Brussel
- Sara Ochelen - Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap - AMINAL - Directoraat-generaal - Subcel Milieu-Economie - Brussel
- Olivier Parks - Ministère de la Région Wallonne - Direction générale des Ressources Naturelles et de l'Environnement (DGRNE) - Division de la prévention et des autorisations - Cellule Air - Jambes
