Modeling the low-carbon energy transition of the territories: a TIMES-SUD PACA model to assess the long-term decarbonization strategy of the south-east region of France

International audienceThe SUD Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region in southern France recently redefined its objectives concerning the decarbonization of its territory and especially of its energy system as a response to guidelines specified in different national climate-energy laws and plans, which establish targets to reach a low-carbon scenario in 2050. Thus, a TIMES-SUD PACA bottom-up optimization model representing the energy sector of the Région SUD was developed in order to analyze the impact that these policies might have, and to propose different policies that might lead the region to an energy transition. This decarbonization presents specific challenges compared to the rest of France, such as risks for electricity supply due to a non-looped electricity grid that affects the east of the region, a high level of renewable potential, but low local energy production. First results from the model show that decarbonization of the Région SUD energy sector is possible involving the use of local available renewable resources and decreasing energy demand