AEA helps government set fourth carbon budget

Since this article was published, AEA Technology plc’s business, operating assets and employees were acquired on the 8 November 2012 by Ricardo plc and transferred to a new subsidiary, Ricardo-AEA Ltd. All employees were transferred to Ricardo-AEA Ltd as part of the acquisition and remain available for the execution of all projects via the new company, as are the entire capability and resources previously represented by AEA Technology plc. All individuals remained at previous locations with all offices being retained.

AEA Technology plc has helped the government propose a target for the fourth Carbon Budget (2023-2027) presented to parliament last month.

The Climate Change Act (2008) introduced five year "carbon budgets" and a target to reduce emissions by at least 34 per cent by 2020. The measures currently being taken by the UK to meet the first three carbon budgets are already stimulating investment in low-carbon technologies and building the infrastructure to support a green economy.

DECC asked AEA to explore ‘pathways' to a reduction in UK greenhouse gas emissions by 80% (w.r.t. 1990 levels) by 2050 using the MARKAL model. The project focused on the implications of these scenarios in terms of mitigation options and associated costs during the fourth budget period (2023-2027).

Results from the project provided the evidence to help inform the UK government's decision to accept the recommended target of 1950 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) over the 5-year budget period. 1950 MtCO₂ is an ambitious target, at only 50% of UK emissions in 1990. The Government is now seeking Parliament's agreement to accept the recommendation.

This project demonstrated our expertise in modelling long term energy system change and our ongoing technical excellence in this area.

You can find more information and AEA's reports (‘Pathways to 2050') on the DECC website: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/emissions/carbon_budgets/carbon_budgets.aspx

For more information:-

Adam Hawkes

T: 0870 190 6786

E: Adam.Hawkes@aeat.co.uk