Technical Reports

This page presents a compilation of key technical reports that have been produced over time in the context of the GAINS model. These reports cover a range of topics related to emissions, abatement technologies, methodologies, and estimates generated by the GAINS model. Below is a selection of notable technical reports categorized by emission types for both air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Air pollutants

NH3 Emissions

The methodology for calculating NH3 emissions is described in Klimont Z. and Winiwarter W., (2011). Integrated Ammonia Abatement - Modelling of Emission Control Potentials and Costs in GAINS. Additional information can be found in Asman W.A.H, Klimont Z., and Winiwarter W., (2011). A simplified model of nitrogen flows from manure management.

NOx Emissions

The methodology for calculating NOx emissions is described in Cofala J., and Syri S., (1998). Nitrogen Oxides Emissions, Abatement Technologies and Related Costs for Europe in the RAINS Model Database.

PM Emissions

Since incorporating the Particulate Matter (PM) component into the GAINS model, an array of reports and papers has emerged, documenting distinct facets of the model and its ongoing enhancements.

The latest comprehensive publication, which encompasses a global viewpoint, delves into the methods for estimating PM and associated emission factors, encompassing black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC). This paper also outlines the evolution of emissions between 1990 and 2010: Klimont et al.,(2017). Global anthropogenic emissions of particulate matter including black carbon.

The initial methodology for calculating PM emissions, encompassing cost estimation techniques, is meticulously expounded upon in the following IIASA report: Klimont et al., (2002). Modelling Particulate Emissions in Europe A Framework to Estimate Reduction Potential and Control Costs.

Moreover, the foundational methodology for computing primary black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) emissions, complete with a comprehensive compendium of available measurement data and emission factors of that period, is encapsulated in the following IIASA report: Kupiainen K. and Klimont Z., (2004). Primary Emissions of Submicron and Carbonaceous Particles in Europe and the Potential for their Control. This endeavor culminated in the publication of the following pioneering paper presenting one of the initial assessments of European BC emissions: Kupiainen K. and Klimont Z.,(2007). Primary emissions of fine carbonaceous particles in Europe.

It is important to acknowledge that the emission factor values delineated in the aforementioned reports may not precisely mirror those in the current iteration of the model. This discrepancy arises from the continual evolution of the model’s architecture and methodologies.

SO2 Emissions

The methodology for calculating SO2 emissions in GAINS is described in Cofala et al., (1998). Sulfur Emissions, Abatement Technologies and Related Costs for Europe in the RAINS Model Database.

VOC Emissions

The methodology for calculating Volatile Organic Compounds emissions is described in Klimont, Z., Cofala J., and Amann M., (2000). Estimating Costs for Controlling Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from Stationary Sources in Europe.

Furthermore, recent information on emission controls in sectors regulated within the EU Solvent Directive has been incorporated into GAINS in collaboration with the Task Force on Techno-Economic Issues (TFTEI).

Hg Emissions

The initial methodology for calculating Hg emissions in GAINS is described in Rafaj P., Bertok I., Cofala, J., and Schopp W., (2013). Scenarios of global mercury emissions from anthropogenic sources.

It is noteworthy that the mercury module of the GAINS model is presently undergoing enhancements to refine its accuracy and capabilities, aligning with the model’s ongoing evolution.

Greenhouse gases

CO2 Emissions

The methodology for calculating CO2 emissions in GAINS is described in Klaassen G., Berglund C., Wagner F. (2005). The GAINS Model for Greenhouse Gases - Version 1.0: Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

CH4 Emissions

Technical reports related to methane emissions are divided into the following:

Methodologies for calculating bottom-up inventory of CH4 between 1990-2020 & future projections to 2050:
1. Höglund-Isaksson et al., 2020. Technical potentials and costs for reducing global anthropogenic methane emissions in a 2050 timeframe.
2. Höglund-Isaksson, 2012. Global anthropogenic methane emissions 2005-2030: Technical mitigation potentials and costs.
Methodology focused on European CH4 with technical mitigation potentials and costs:
1. Höglund-Isaksson et al., 2018. Non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions in the EU-28 from 2005 to 2070 with mitigation potentials and costs –GAINS model methodology.
Methodology for CH4 emission factors for the oil and gas sector:
1. Höglund Isaksson, 2017. Bottom-up simulations of methane and ethane emissions from global oil and gas systems 1980 to 2012.
Other selected publications with GAINS estimates of CH4 emissions:
1. Saunois et al., 2020. The Global Methane Budget 2000-2017.
2. Harmsen et al., 2019. Long-term marginal abatement cost curves of non-CO2 greenhouse gases.
3. Gomez Sanabria et al., 2018. Carbon in global waste and wastewater flows – its potential as energy source under alternative future waste management regimes.

Fluorinated Gases Emissions

The latest comprehensive publications addressing the incorporation of F-Gases into GAINS, also including global perspective and cost estimation methods, are the following:

Purohit, P., and Höglund Isaksson L., (2017). Global emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases 2005–2050 with abatement potentials and costs.

Purohit P. et al., (2020). Electricity savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions from global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons.

The initial methodology for calculating Fluorinated Gases emissions is meticulously expounded upon in the following IIASA report: Tohka A., (2005). The GAINS Model for Greenhouse Gases – Version 1.0: HFC, PFC and SF6.

N2O Emissions

Methodology of calculating N2O emissions has been initially described in Winiwarter W., (2005). The GAINS Model for Greenhouse Gases - Version 1.0: Nitrous Oxide (N2O).

Subsequent improvements have been documented, specifically in the Supplementary Material of Winiwarter et al., (2018). Technical opportunities to reduce global anthropogenic emissions of nitrous oxide.