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20 changes: 16 additions & 4 deletions docs/main/direct-emissions.md
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Expand Up @@ -5,15 +5,15 @@ title: Direct emissions
The direct emissions method determines the greenhouse gas emissions of a scenario at the point where emissions are released. This method is available as an additional method alongside the default emissions method based on [primary demand](co2-main-principles#modelling-principles). This page explains the method principles and how it is implemented in the model.

:::warning Beta release
The direct emissions method is currently in beta release. This means that it is being implemented incrementally and is subject to further improvement and refinement. Complete user output will first be available for national datasets and will later become availbale for regional (Dutch) datasets. Read more about how the method is currently implemented [here](#method-implementation).
The direct emissions method is currently in beta release. This means that it is being implemented incrementally and is subject to further improvement and refinement. Complete user output will first be available for national datasets and will later become available for regional (Dutch) datasets. Read more about how the method is currently implemented [here](#method-implementation).

In the near future, the role of the direct emissions method with respect to the primary emissions method will be reviewed and further improved.
:::

## Principles
The direct emissions method determines the emissions in a scenario based on where the emissions actually occur. The method generally follows IPCC guidelines for accounting emissions. The main principles of the method are:

* Energetic CO2 emissions are dynamically calculated based on the modelled energy supply and demand flows. Most non-energetic CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gas emissions are not dynamically calculated but are given as input for a scenario. For more information on on dynamically and statically modelled emissions, go to [this page](co2-main-principles#emission-categories).
* Energetic CO2 emissions are dynamically calculated based on the modelled energy supply and demand flows. Most non-energetic CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gas emissions are not dynamically calculated but are given as input for a scenario. For more information on dynamically and statically modelled emissions, go to [this page](co2-main-principles#emission-categories).
* The dynamically calculated CO2 emissions for a technology are determined based on the difference between incoming CO2 via input carriers and CO2 utilisation, and outgoing CO2 via output carriers and CO2 capture. The incoming and outgoing CO2 via input and output carriers is fixed CO2 that is determined based on the emission factor of the carrier. See the diagram and calculation example below.
* Following IPCC guidelines, biogenic CO2 emissions are excluded from the emissions totals. Captured biogenic CO2 is included in determining emissions totals.
* CO2 emissions are allocated to the sector where the emissions actually occur. Captured CO2 is deducted from the sector where it is captured. This is where the ETM [deviates from IPCC guidelines](#deviation-from-ipcc-guidelines).
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -43,12 +43,24 @@ A coal-fired power plant in the energy sector produces `100 kg CO2`, of which `8
:::

## Method implementation
Currently, the direct emissions method is implemented as an additional method alongside the default primary emissions method. The results of the direct emissions method can be viewed via a detailed [data export](https://energytransitionmodel.com/scenario/data/data_export/yearly-direct-greenhouse-gas-emissions). This data export provides a complete overview of all emissions in a scenario for the start year and future year. All technologies where emissions can occur are included and categorised by ETM sector and subsector. In addition, other greenhouse gas emissions that are not dynamically calculated are also included.
Currently, the direct emissions method is implemented as an additional method alongside the default primary emissions method. This [page](../contrib/direct-emissions-method.md) gives more technical details on how the direct emissions are calculated in the model. The results of the direct emissions method can currently be viewed via a detailed data export, a chart and two dashboard items.

### Data export
The detailed [data export](https://energytransitionmodel.com/scenario/data/data_export/yearly-direct-greenhouse-gas-emissions) provides a complete overview of all emissions in a scenario for the start year and future year. All technologies where emissions can occur are included and categorised by ETM sector and subsector. In addition, other greenhouse gas emissions that are not dynamically calculated are also included.

The following emission results, expressed in kg CO2-eq, are included in the data export:
* **CO2 production**: fossil CO2 generated, before CO2 capture.
* **CO2 capture**: fossil and biogenic CO2 captured.
* **Other GHG emissions**: total non-CO2 emissions.
* **Total GHG emissions**: net total GHG emissions, calculated as `CO2 production - CO2 capture + Other GHG emissions`.

Go to [this page](../contrib/direct-emissions-method.md) for more technical details on how these emissions are calculated in the model.
### Dashboard items
Two dashboard items are available for the direct emissions results:

* **Direct total GHG emissions relative to 1990**: shows the reduction in total GHG emissions compared to 1990.
* **Direct total GHG emissions**: shows the total GHG emissions in the future year.

### Chart
The direct emissions results per sector for 1990, the start year and future year can be observed in the chart 'Direct total GHG emissions'. Emission data in the year 1990 is retrieved from UNFCCC and mapped to ETM sectors. Go to this [page](https://github.com/quintel/etdataset-public/tree/master/tools/emissions/README.md) for more information on how the emission data is retrieved and mapped.

![](/img/docs/direct_emissions_chart_total_ghg_emissions.png)
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