Transitioning from EnergyScope to ExergyScope : exploring the effects of exergy taxes on belgian energy system

Details

Supervisors

Contino, Francesco ; Sousa, Tânia

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil électromécanicien, à finalité spécialisée: énergie

Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of an exergy-based tax, which could incentivize lower-emission and less energy-intensive technologies. Exergy, a thermodynamic variable that integrates both the first and second laws of thermodynamics, provides a comprehensive measure of energy quality and quantity, making it a valuable indicator for energy sustainability studies. This research contributes to assessing the impact of exergy-based taxation. This study aims to move the Belgian energy system towards one that emits less greenhouse gas emissions and consumes less energy to meet the same demand. Various tax systems, including carbon taxes, are tested and compared. These tax systems are analyzed using ExergyScope, an adaptation of EnergyScope designed to handle exergy flows instead of energy flows. Preliminary findings suggest that exergy-based taxes are highly efficient in optimizing primary energy use and significantly reducing emissions when strategically combined with other tax systems. This study offers a foundational analysis of the effectiveness of exergy-based taxes, advocating for further research to model the broader implications of such a tax system on the international energy landscape.