How does load-side re-electrification help carbon neutrality in energy systems: Cost competitiveness analysis and life-cycle deduction

Load-side re-electrification-the substitution of prevalent fossil fuel-dominated structures with a wider range of electric end-use technologies-has been recognized as a crucial strategy for systemic decarbonization. This strategy focuses on expanding the proportion of clean energy consumption to support the attainment of carbon neutrality goals. While prior research has explored the ramifications of re-electrification strategies within specific sectors, such as transportation, comprehensive assessments evaluating the impacts of an entire portfolio of load -side options remain scarce. This analysis bridges this gap by scrutinizing the effects of multiple load-side re -electrification options on decarbonization pathways and transition costs within energy systems. We leverage a detailed, bottom-up dispatch model with an hourly resolution for this research. A case study of Northwestern China serves to illuminate the implications of our research, demonstrating that without the deployment of carbon dioxide removal technologies, an extensive load-side re-electrification can yield a maximum carbon dioxide emission reduction of up to 37.15% by 2060. Furthermore, this study offers an in-depth comparison of the transition costs across multiple future scenarios employing foreseeable technologies.