The NCES project developed three scenarios, all designed to meet the carbon neutrality target by balancing carbon emissions and sinks. While acknowledging the importance of cost-effectiveness, the analytical approach recognised that considering only this criterion is too narrow in scope for policy planning and decision-making. As such, the NCES analysis seeks to balance multiple factors that will influence outcomes. Each of the three scenarios reflects a different core element:
- Carbon Neutral Nordic (CNN) seeks the least-cost pathway, taking into account current national plans, strategies, and targets.
- Nordic Powerhouse (NPH) explores the opportunity for the Nordics to play a larger role in the broader European energy transition by providing clean electricity, clean fuels, and carbon storage.
- Climate Neutral Behaviour (CNB) reflects Nordic societies adopting additional energy and material efficiency measures in all sectors, ultimately leading to lower demand for both.
