This presentation analyses how the decarbonisation of the residential building stock could support a just transition in the coal intensive region of Megalopolis. The DREEM model is employed in two different energy transition scenarios, aiming to investigate whether Megalopolis should stick to the existing plan and invest in new natural gas infrastructure or invest in electrification right from the start.
The results from this modelling exercise indicate that investing in electrification leads to lower annual energy consumption and a better environmental footprint towards 2050, while investing in natural gas burdens households and widens energy poverty.
In this context, Megalopolis should reconsider its policies related to the energy transition of the residential sector, to address deeply the energy transition challenges and protect the most vulnerable households.