Smart energy approaches for carbon abatement: Scenario designs for Chile's energy transition

This study develops scenarios aiming to transition the Chilean energy system in 2050 to 100% renewable energy; taking into account local resource potentials, demands, cross-sectoral integration of the electricity, heating, transport, and industrial sectors, and synergies in their related infrastructures. The energy system model EnergyPLAN is used to simulate the hourly operation of the energy system. The relationship between potential CO2 emissions reductions and relative costs is estimated using marginal abatement cost curves with the EPLANoptMAC tool to assess the optimal sequence of capacity expansion and carbon abatement alternatives. The analysis demonstrates that it is possible to carry out this transition from a technical perspective more efficiently than what is proposed with current national scenarios while still aligning with climate neutrality targets; and that, in different phases of the Chilean energy transition, specific options could be prioritized based on an improved balance between carbon abatement and costs. [Display omitted] •Chile's energy transition is assessed using two different scenario design methodologies.•These methodologies present complementary perspectives on carbon abatement potentials.•Chile's carbon neutrality goals can be reached with a Smart Energy Systems Approach.•A 100% renewable energy system is technically feasible in the case of Chile.