Using a bottom-up approach to characterize the PEI agriculture sector within an energy system model of Atlantic Canada

The path to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 in Atlantic Canada is both time- and resource-constrained. Energy system models can be used in this context to compare climate change mitigation options and to strategically plan for meeting climate change goals through cost-effective and timely means. Motivated by these circumstances, Net Zero Atlantic is building an open-source energy system model for Atlantic Canada that will serve as a shared tool for answering questions about our region’s transition to net zero emissions. To provide the best utility to regional decision-makers, the Atlantic Canada Energy System (ACES) model must be able to present pathways to net zero emissions that account for emissions across all economic sectors, including the agriculture sector which is responsible for a significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions within the province of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. At present, provincial agricultural sectors are represented in a course, top-down format. Although this is an improvement from standard energy system modelling practice which omits the agriculture sector entirely, it prevents users of the ACES model from being able to understand how the agriculture sector fits into Atlantic Canada’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Aitazaz Farooque

Student:

Partner:

Net Zero Atlantic

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Prince Edward Island

Program: