Scenario analysis of low-carbon urban energy system in Asian cities

The main challenges of the coming urban energy transitions in Asia include increased urbanization in developing countries, climate change-energy security imperatives, and new technologies at local and grid levels. These challenges highlight the need for Asian cities to reconsider how new urban investments should be prioritized in order to reduce resource consumption and emissions, as well as to achieve local and national development goals. This chapter will explore the application of a quantitative bottom-up modeling approach for the assessment of multiple benefits of climate change mitigation in Asian cities. Testing the model in Delhi shows the potential environmental (GHG mitigation and air quality) and health co-benefits of developing a clean transport scenario for this city. The results reveal that the implementation of the strategic plan in Delhi’s urban transportation system has GHG emission reduction potential of about 4.3 million tonnes of CO2 with an aggregated reduction of about 0.2 million tonnes of other local air pollutants, which could prevent about 22,000 cases of mortality and brings more than USD 1850 million per capita by 2030.