Research
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Current PhD Students
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Empirische und theoretische Analyse von Wachstumsmodellen in Annex1 Staaten - Implikationen für die Klimapolitik" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Policy options for sustainable agriculture within the challenges of climate change" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: " The long-term commitment problem in carbon policy" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "How to keep the Carbon in the Trees" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Towards a Global Carbon Market" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis:
"Renewable Energy Development in Rural India: Market Development of Solar Home Systems in the Lighting Sector" |
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Climate change and transition processes in developing countries: Integration of renewable energy sources in evolving energy systems" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "The Role of Trade and Induced Technological Change for GHG Mitigation Strategies" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Overcoming the Concept of the Representative Household. Implications for Climate Policy Assessment." | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Integrated Assessment of Biomass-to-Energy Conversion paths in a coupled Energysystem and Landuse Model" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Design Options, Implementation Challenges and Opportunities of Global Cap-and-Trade Systems " | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Klimaökonomische Politikberatung in philosophischer Reflexion. Integrated Assessment im IPCC-Report (AR4, WGIII) aus ethischer und wissenschaftstheoretischer Perspektive" |
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Topology in Investment-Space under anticipated learning about uncertain parameters"
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "The role of renewable energies in climate protection - Influence and
Interaction of capacities for production, transmission and storage of
electricity
" |
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "The influence of energy trade and emission permit allocation on optimal regional CO2 abatement strategies and the justice of global climate policy" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Induced Technological Change and Trade in Climate Policy" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Some models of sustainable spatial economics" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Designs and policy instruments for climate protection in a liberalized European electricity market" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: „Economic Analysis of Policy Instruments – Prices & Quantities revisited“ | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Policy options for renewable energy development" | |
| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Assessing supplementary risk-capital requirements due to climate-change-induced trends in catastrophic risks" |
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "More style than substance? International
comparability of efforts to mitigate climate change" |
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Energieszenarien für Deutschland" |
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Flexible Strategies in Climate Change" |
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Assessing policy instruments for the promotion of low-carbon energy technologies" |
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Developing countries in the context of international climate change and
energy transformation" |
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Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Modelling of multi-gas emissions in an intertemporally optimal climate change mitigation strategie" |
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| Preliminary title of PhD thesis: "Integration of fluctuating sources of renewable energy into electricity
grids" |
Finished PhD Theses
| Endogenous Technological Change in Strategies for Mitigating Climate Change Technical University Berlin, Facultät VI - Planen Bauen Umwelt. pdf |
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| Submission: 2009 |
Abstract: This thesis suggests that induced technological change has potential to reduce the burden that climate change mitigation puts on the economy. Furthermore, international cooperation on climate policy, which may trigger this induced technological change, may be achieved by linking climate negotiations to other issues. The starting point are two assumptions: first, action to mitigate climate change is necessary, and second, technologies will play a key role in this effort. There is empirical evidence that technological change is induced by policies. However, previous assessments of such induced technological change (ITC) have been ambiguous. Moreover, a clear climate policy is required in order to induce the technological progress. However, the literature on international environmental agreements suggest that the prospect for global climate policy is not bright. This raises two broad research questions: First, what is the role of ITC for climate change mitigation? And second, how can we achieve a global policy that triggers this technological change? |
| Governance in Global Policy Networks. Individual Strategies and Collective Action in Five Sustainable Energy-Related Type II Partnerships. University of Potsdam, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. pdf of summary |
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| Submission: April 2008 |
Abstract: Energy spurs social and economic development and has multiple effects on the ecological and social environment of societies. Energy access for socially equitable development, energy security for sustainable economic growth, and the mitigation of climate change all represent issues of long-term developments, whose effects are not fully reflected in incentive structures in energy markets. Consequently, this study will distinguish six forms of market failures in energy markets impeding the sustainability of social, environmental and economic development. International governance mechanisms are supposed to overcome those long-term problems. At the same time governance mechanisms must allow to consider short-term interests of various actors in order to incentivize and enable these actors to comply. Strategies for long-term policies, therefore, have to build in flexibility in governance mechanisms and include state as well as non-state actors. The Johannesburg World Summit 2002 produced a number of such partnerships committed to sustainable development. Based on research on the five sustainable energy-related global policy networks of GVEP, REEEP, GNESD, EUEI, and REN21 and conducted expert interviews, this study will analyze the effectiveness of global policy networks, compare the effectiveness of the five explored networks and their governance practices, and aim to identify instruments of effective global environmental governance. Hence, the thesis will draft a strategy for network governance how to reconcile long-term and short-term interests. Additionally, the study will develop how to design institutionalized instruments to map and harness common good resources like knowledge and good contacts contained in networks in order to support systematized reaping benefits of potentials for cooperation among network partners. |
| Imprecise probability analysis for integrated
assessment of climate change. University of Potsdam, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Physics. pdf |
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| Submission: 2005 |
Abstract: We present an application of imprecise probability theory to the quantification of uncertainty in the integrated assessment of climate change. Our work is motivated by the fact that uncertainty about climate change is pervasive, and therefore requires a thorough treatment in the integrated assessment process. Classical probability theory faces some severe difficulties in this respect, since it cannot capture very poor states of information in a satisfactory manner. A more general framework is provided by imprecise probability theory, which offers a similarly firm evidential and behavioural foundation, while at the same time allowing to capture more diverse states of information. An imprecise probability describes the information in terms of lower and upper bounds on probability. |
| Carbon Capturing and Sequestration - An Option to Buy Time? University Potsdam Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. pdf |
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| Submission: January 2005 | Abstract: The thesis uses the MIND model framework as a hybrid model integrating an economic growth model of the Ramsey-type with an energy system model and a climate system model. The use of a hybrid model that integrates these various systems is suggested by the complex problem at hand and justified by the dynamics and feedbacks between the systems. The CO2 emission mitigation options are related to investments and their social optimal timing and extent is computed by maximising an intertemporal social welfare function. Although this function is subject to various points of critique it takes into account issues of intergenerational equity. The use of CCS and the other options depends on assumptions of various exogenous model parameters. The extensive sensitivity analysis undertaken in this thesis reveals that the property of CCS being an option to buy time is robust for a broad range of parameter values. It turns out that the potential to introduce renewable energy technologies is highly important for the use of CCS. Imposing such a constraint reduces the ability to switch to alternative energy sources giving features of CCS like the leakage rate a higher significance. The more constrained renewable energy sources are the more sensitive are the results regarding the extent and the welfare impact of CCS with respect to parameter variations of the CCS technology. Tight constraints on renewables and low leakage rates can even make CCS an option that will be used throughout the 21st century. |
| Muster globaler anthropogener CO2-Emissionen. Sozio-ökonomische Determinanten und ihre Wirkung. PhD Thesis University Potsdam, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. |
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| Submission: June 2004 |
Abstract: The thesis analyses the main driving forces for CO2 in different world regions. It uses the famous Kaya identity as a starting point for a cluster analysis. Based on Cluster analysis, it provides ideal types of cluster sharing the same causes of non-sustainability. These ideal types are used as a socio-economic 'macroscope' which may enable researchers to identify patterns of sustainability. |
Master- and Diploma Theses
| Mobilizing the black resource? The effects of future coal extraction costs on regional climate change mitigation efforts. Diploma Thesis, in Cooperation with the TU Berlin |
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| Submission: January 2010 |
Abstract: The decarbonization of the global energy system, as an option to mitigate intolerable climate change, is likely to lead to a reduced consumption of coal. Compared to a business as usual case without any constraints on carbon emissions, regions face opportunity costs due to not exploiting available coal deposits. The scope of this thesis is to analyze the impact of region specific availability of coal on global and regional climate change mitigation costs. In order to quantify this effect, the estimation of future coal extraction costs must be improved. For this purpose, a new extraction cost model based on region specific geological data as well as regional economic situation has been developed and implemented into the integrated assessment model REMIND-R. |
| Governance under Time Inconsistency and Limited Credibility: What can we learn from Monetary Policy for Climate Policy? Master Thesis, in Cooperation with the University Tübingen, Institute for Social and Behavior Sciences. pdf |
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| Submission: September 2009 |
Abstract: This paper investigates the parameters and circumstances that determine the time inconsistency of climate policy, such as a carbon tax or a cap and trade system. If the best response to a problem changes over time although the problem itself does not change, the response is ``time inconsistent''. Climate policy is time inconsistent because capital investments are irreversible. Once investments are sunk, profit-maximizing firms react differently to tax changes than before. Energy consumption reacts stronger on tax changes, and greenhouse gas emissions react weaker. As a consequence, the optimal tax is lower once investment is sunk. Firms anticipate this relaxation of climate policy and are reluctant to invest in the first place. This results in an inefficient allocation with too much energy consumption, little abatement, and too little technology investments. Institutional arrangements (\textit{polities}) such as an independent ``Carbon Bank'' are discussed as a remedy. Also different types of \textit{policies} are discussed. It is argued that especially feed-in-tariffs can provide a feasible fix for time inconsistency because in contrast to carbon taxes they establish property rights. |
| Modeling Climate Policy Instruments in a Stackelberg Game with Endogenous Technological Change and Market Imperfection. Diploma Thesis, in Cooperation with the University Osnabrück, Institute for Mathematics / Computer Sciences. pdf |
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| Submission: September 2008 |
Abstract: In this thesis I develop an integrated assessment model which determines and explains socially optimal as well as second-best policy instruments to achieve climate protection. Within the Stackelberg game approach with the government as leader and economic sectors as followers the model is capable to consider strategical behavior and market imperfections (e.g. technology spillovers and monopolistic markets). It provides for the first time a detailed assessment of a set of prominent climate policies by estimating their distributional effects for households' functional incomes. |
| Towards a Global Carbon Market - The Clean Development Mechanism´s Current State and Future Prospects. Diploma Thesis, in Cooperation with the University of Flensburg. pdf |
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| Submission: June 2008 |
Abstract: The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) established under the Kyoto Protocol is the only instrument that includes developing countries into the international carbon market. However, the mechanism faces serious shortcomings, including high transaction costs and low environmental and economic effectiveness. Moreover, developing countries play a growing role in regard to greenhouse gas emissions and they need to increasingly decarbonize their economies. This raises the question how the CDM can be modified in an international climate agreement post 2012. For this thesis, various options for reforming the CDM are discussed. Particular emphasis is put on China as a key player in terms of emissions as well as political and economical weight. Sectoral no-lose intensity targets are identified as one promising option to include newly industrialized countries such as China into a post-Kyoto agreement, even though the instrument raises some questions in regard to economic and environmental effectiveness. |
| Assessing Dynamic Cost-Benefit Analysis of Climate Policy: The Stern Review. Diploma Thesis, in Cooperation with the Humboldt University Berlin, Institute for Geography. pdf |
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| Submission: May 2008 |
Abstract: The Stern Review, published in the end of 2006, quickly raised a lot of discussion and feedback. This is mainly because it predicts high climate change related damages and relatively low costs for stabilising GHG concentrations at levels that would avoid the worst consequences. The Reviews’ key policy recommendation for early and strong action is in contradiction with the so called climate policy ramp which has been the preferred strategy among many economists so far. The thesis analyzes whether Sterns’ results are well founded in terms of economic theory and modelling technique. For this purpose the use of Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) in climate policy in general is discussed and best practice criteria for its application are defined. Following this, the Stern Review is analyzed using these best practice criteria alongside with several prominent critiques by other economists. The thesis concludes with a critical assessment of Sterns’ approach and its policy recommendations. |
| Techno-Economic Assessment of Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technologies in the Fossil Fuel-based Power Sector of the Global Energy-Economy system. Master Thesis, in Cooperation with Technical University Berlin, Institute for Energy Engineering (Dr. Thomas Bruckner). pdf |
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| Submission: May 2008 |
Abstract: The objective of this thesis is to assess the integration of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), as one of the mitigation alternatives, to fossil fuel based power plants. In line with this objective, three main fossil fuel-based power plant technologies, Pulverized Coal (PC), Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) and Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC), are modelled with and without CCS in the modeling tool IECM (Integrated Environmental Control Model). The model provides a framework to assess the techno-economics of the plants in question, thus delivering the corresponding data about emissions, costs and plant performance. Moreover, the power plants have to comply with the European large combustion plant regulation regarding the emissions of SO2, NOX and PM (Particulate Matter). The thesis analyzes, in particular, the effect of variability of fuel type by introducing four different coals: Appalachian medium sulfur, Illinois # 6, Wyoming Powder River basin and North Dakota lignite. In addition to fuel type, uncertainty is addressed to some input parameters and analyzed via Monte Carlo Analysis. In order to assess the contribution of CCS in the portfolio of other mitigation options REMIND, a global hybrid model of energy system model and macroeconomic growth model developed by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, has been used. In REMIND experiments, the corresponding technologies are evaluated with regard to the CO2 emission scenario applied in the system, thus addressing the contribution of the technologies in question, as matter of time and magnitude. Each coal type is separately investigated, thus emphasizing the effect of coal type, not just on the coal technologies, but also on the technology choice in the whole energy system and further on the resource usage. In addition, sensitivity studies carried out in SimEnv tool, indicate the effect of parameter variations on the model results. |
| Comparing CO2 Mitigation Options in the Electricity Sector: Nuclear Power, Renewable Energy and Carbon Sequestration. Diploma thesis, in Cooperation with Technical University Berlin, Institute for Energy Engineering (Dr. Thomas Bruckner). pdf |
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| Submission: December 2006 |
Abstract: The objective of this study is to assess the role of the three main CO2 mitigation options in the electricity sector. These encompass the transition to carbon free technologies which rely on renewable or nuclear energy sources, and the capture and sequestration of emitted CO2 (CCS). To achieve this objective, experiments with a bottom-up model of the electricity sector have been performed. The model is a subset of a comprehensive energy system model that is currently being developed at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research using the modeling toolbox genEris. It determines an optimal investment time path by minimizing intertemporally aggregated energy system costs subject to resource and potential constrictions and a cap on emissions. One-factor learning curves are used to represent cost reductions due to learning effects. The model structure has been extended by a complex representation of the nuclear energy sector, including thermal and fast breeder reactors and the main energy and mass conversion steps of the front and back end of the nuclear fuel cycle. Furthermore, the model has been linked to the multi-run experiment environment SimEnv, and sensitivity analysis experiments have been performed to assess the behavior of the model under different parameter assumptions. The experiment results show that the model is able to represent a wide range of possible future scenarios. The restriction of emissions accelerates the substitution of carbon intensive technologies. The use of CCS is highly sensitive to fossil fuel cost assumptions. The use of thermal nuclear reactors is limited by the restricted resources of uranium. Fast nuclear reactors and photovoltaic compete for the role as a singular backstop technology that dominates the electricity sector after the substitution of fossil energy sources. The results of this study will be used by further projects with the objective of integrating the energy system model into an integrated assessment tool which includes a macroeconomic growth model, a carbon cycle model and several geographic regions. |
| Social Conditions of Technological Change. The Case of Carbon Capture and Storage. Master Thesis Potsdam University, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. pdf |
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| Submission: January 2005 |
Abstract: This thesis aims at comprehensively exploring the social aspects of CO2 capture and geological storage technologies (CCGS). CCGS is increasingly regarded as an additional option in a climate change mitigation technology portfolio. However, related research focuses almost exclusively on the engineering and geological aspects. This thesis adopts an interdisciplinary approach drawing together available research from engineering, geology, economics, political philosophy and sociology in order to systematically analyze the various socially relevant aspects of CCGS. Crucial technical aspects and risks that are associated with CCGS are identified and comprehensively discussed. Relevant stakeholders are identified and their respective positions analyzed. As technical feasibility will be necessary but not commensurate condition for the large-scale implementation of CCGS, four decisive social determinants of the viability of CCGS are identified, including (a) marginal costs of technology, (b) opportunity costs of investment, (c) economic costs induced by regulatory framework, and (d) transaction costs resulting from social processes of communication, cooperation and conflict. Regulation will be required that addresses these issues. Selected regulatory issues that could be central in future debates about CCGS are discussed. Also, regulatory aspects that will have to be addressed by any future regulatory framework for CCGS are identified. Finally, with Carbon Sequestration Bonds and a certificate trade based regulatory scheme two regulatory approaches for CCGS are discussed with respect to their ability to meet such requirements. In the conclusion, relevant future research tasks are formulated based on the findings of the thesis. In an appendix a review of analyses of existing regulatory conditions for CCGS is provided. |
| Transnational Corporations and Economic Development in Developing Countries. Assessing the Effect of Foreign Direct Investments on Economic Growth in Developing Countries with an Extended Solow Model. Master Thesis in Cooperation with Institute for Sociology, University Zurich, April 2004. pdf |
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| Submission: April 2004 | Abstract: The author has designed an extended Solow-model for exploring the effects of foreign direct investment on economic development. The extended Solow growth model has been proved as a comprehensive one because it includes the foreign capital stock on a per capita base, reinvested earnings and the ratio of foreign to domestic capital in addition to the other variables, which are usually part of a Solow-model. The results based on the regression equation derived from this model are plausible and statistically significant for most of the samples. Generally, the results for the models based on income categories yield a good model fit and are within reasonable range. This holds true not only for the assessed effects of domestic and foreign capital on economic growth, but also for the estimated capital's share in income. It turns out that foreign capital has a positive effect on economic growth in all tested samples. However, economic growth in very poor countries seems to be less affected by the presence of foreign capital as compared to, for example, middle income countries. These countries are not only poor, but they also get very little foreign capital. The scarcity of capital in these countries might result in an economic condition where they are caught in a poverty trap. Therefore it is very likely that foreign capital can contribute only to a very small extent to economic growth. The effect of foreign capital is also weaker in higher income countries, which is likely to result from the widespread availability of capital in these countries. In addition, the high level of development in countries of the First World requires much larger financial and technological efforts to achieve productivity gains. |
| Das Konzept von Lernkurven im Energiesektor - Beschreibung, Modellierung und Aggregation Diploma Thesis in Cooperation with Technical University Berlin, Institute for Energy Engineering (Dr. Thomas Bruckner). pdf |
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| Submission: May 2003 | Abstract: The thesis explores methods of coupling of bottom-up and top down models. It is a well known fact that only the hard link between macro models and energy system models allows an explicit analysis of feedback loops between the macro-economic and the energy system. However, hard link coupling procedures are time consuming and in many cases not feasible because of the inherent complexity of bottom-up models. The thesis shows that well-designed aggregation procedures of learning curves within the renewable energy sector enable macro modelers to use simple parameterized learning curves in their macro-model without omitting crucial aspects of sector specific dynamics. |
| Stadt - Verkehr - CO2. Diploma thesis in Cooperation with Technical University Dresden, Institute for Geography, Prof. Dr. H. Kowalke. pdf |
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| Submission: August 2002 |
Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to find major influencing factors of CO2 emissions from road traffic in urban areas. The approach of the study involves a statistical analysis on the basis of the formerly 23 urban districts of the German capital of Berlin. Correlation and regression analyses of empirical data from the settlement structure, the traffic structure and income have found that the number of jobs per district and the share of the well-off population can best describe the CO2 emissions from traffic in Berlin. Also the number of residents, the total built area, the number of cars and the amount of traffic area are positively related to the dependent variable. Therefore, the possibilities to reduce CO2 emissions from road traffic for urban planners seem limited: a restriction of space dedicated to traffic and a change of transport means for commuting represent leverage points, according to the analysis. The other significant indicators are less able to be influenced by local and regional decision-makers-an alteration in the means of mobility to less CO2 emitting alternatives is needed if CO2 emissions from road traffic are to be extensively decreased. |
| Die Wirtschafts- und Verschuldungskrise Subsahara Afrikas - Von der Notwendigkeit globaler Solidarität. Master Thesis in Cooperation with Technical University Darmstadt, Institute for Sociology. |
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| Submission: February 2001 |
Abstract: The thesis reviews the relevant literature on the poverty trap and evaluates the impact of debt burden on economic growth and social development. Based on this analysis a computer model is designed for assessing different strategies for reducing the debt burden for least developed countries. The focus of this study is a comprehensive assessment of different types of Marshall plans proposed by international agencies. |
Graduate Student´s Theses
| Erweiterung und Anwendung des Energiesystemmodells genEris zur Analyse von Emissionsminderungsmöglichkeiten im Bereich des Fahrzeugverkehrs. In
Cooperation with Technical University Berlin, Institute for Energy
Engineering (Dr. Thomas Bruckner).
pdf |
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| Assessing the Potential of Offshore Wind Energy as an Innovative CO_2 Emission Reduction Option in the Energy System Model genEris. pdf | |
| Assessing the Potential of Biomass as a CO_2 Emission Mitigation Option by Developing a Sophisticated Description of the Biomass Sector in GenERIS. In Cooperation with Technical University Berlin, Institute for Energy Engineering (Dr. Thomas Bruckner). |
erstellt von Jutta Neuhaus
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zuletzt verändert:
Aug 16, 2010 10:35 AM
Edenhofer begrüßt die Empfehlungen des InterAcademy Council für Reform des IPCC
