Modelling and Assessing
the Transition to Low Carbon & Smart Economy in Gulf Countries

In this research project, one explores:

• the long term policy options, in the context of the Paris agreement and global transition to a net-zero regime worldwide, for a transition to sustainability of the energy system in the GCC countries.
• the role of the “smart economy of services”, based on the integration of social networks, smart cities, shared autonomous transportation vehicles, in fostering a transition to a low carbon climate regime, both at regional and global level for Gulf countries.

The research is organized around the use of four modelling tools:

• A Multil-Level Perspective Approach (MLP) to provide a qualitative analysis of the transition to a sustainable energy system in GCC countries;
• A Bottom-up technology rich model (ETEM-SG/SC) to analyse the role of smart energy systems in the development of smart cities and their impact on a transition toward sustainability;
• A Top-Down General Equilibrium model (GEMINI-E3) to assess the macroeconomic impact of a climate policy as suggested in the Paris agreement;
• A Game theoretic Meta-model  that is used to explore the possible fair sharing of the burden to reach a zero-net emissions worlwide regime before the end of the Century, and the options offered to GCC countries by the development of CO2 direct reduction technologies.