SARA GHABOULIAN ZARE

Integrating H₂ into B-U Energy Models for Decarbonizing C40 Cities by 2050: An Application of ETEM for the Montréal Metropolitan Community

Abstract

Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 requires transformative changes in urban energy systems, particularly in cities like those in the C40 network. Hydrogen (H₂) is emerging as a crucial energy carrier for decarbonizing sectors where electrification is less feasible, such as heavy transportation, high-temperature industrial processes, and space heating.

This study integrates H₂ technologies into the Energy-Technology-Environment Model (ETEM), a bottom-up energy system optimization model, tailored to the Montréal Metropolitan Community. The model incorporates updated data on H₂ production, storage, distribution, and end-use technologies, and evaluates their role under multiple policy scenarios, including carbon caps and investment tax credits. We assess four scenarios ranging from business-as-usual to aggressive decarbonization with optimistic technology assumptions.

Results show that hydrogen adoption grows significantly under stringent climate targets, particularly in freight transport and industrial heating. Electrolytic hydrogen becomes the dominant production pathway, driven by renewable electricity and supportive policies. The study highlights the importance of policy design, technology advancement, and detailed urban modeling in guiding C40 cities toward sustainable energy transitions.

Biography

Sara Ghaboulian Zare holds a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Montreal, specializing in Computer Science and Operations Research. She has experience in both industrial and academic environments and collaborates with various national and international research groups on energy system analysis, including Natural Resource Canada, National Research Council, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. She has published several research articles on renewable energy technology deployment, consumer behavior toward renewable technologies, energy policy analysis, the robustification of renewable systems, and scenario definition. Her work now focuses on the modeling and optimization of sustainable energy systems, particularly hydrogen and renewable energy sources.