Co-benefits of residential heat electrification through interstate grid interconnections in Northeast Asia

Kim, H., Holloway, T., Rafaj, P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1000-5617, Klimont, Z. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2630-198X, Kiesewetter, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9369-9812, & Patz, J.A. (2026). Co-benefits of residential heat electrification through interstate grid interconnections in Northeast Asia. Cleaner Energy Systems 15 e100282. 10.1016/j.cles.2026.100282.

Preview

Text 1-s2.0-S277278312600052X-main.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (4MB) | Preview

Abstract

This study examines the potential ambient air quality and associated human health co-benefits of residential heating electrification powered by the Asia Supergrid, which connects the China-North, Korea, and Japan-West regions. By linking a bottom-up power sector optimization model and the Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model, we assessed the impacts of the complete removal of fossil fuels from residential heating by 2050, replaced by clean electricity supply through carbon pricing and cross-border electricity transmission. Our results show that the locations of clean energy transitions and health benefits do not necessarily coincide. Power trade redistributes generation and associated emissions between exporting and importing regions, resulting in heterogeneous transboundary air quality and health outcomes that can be obscured by national or regional averages. Combined residential and power sector decarbonization prevents 1600–15,500 premature deaths depending on the electricity generation mix. We found that renewable electricity generation is important in maximizing the co-benefits of end-use electrification, yielding higher health benefits than a carbon-neutral electricity supply based on carbon capture and sequestration and hydrogen. These findings highlight the importance of considering the spatial distribution of health co-benefits in designing regional energy cooperation and coordinated decarbonization strategies.

Actions (login required)

View Item