The 2050 Calculator enables users to experiment with many different ways of meeting the UK’s target to reduce emissions 80% by 2050. For example, users can boost energy supply by building more nuclear and wind turbines, or they can reduce energy demand by insulating people’s homes and changing travel behaviour. It is published by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change.
This web site sets out the all the methodology and assumptions underpinning the 2050 Calculator and gives users an opportunity to comment on them.
Play with the 2050 Calculator
There are three versions of the 2050 Calculator:
- My2050 simulation - aimed at newcomers to energy and climate change issues. See: http://my2050.decc.gov.uk
- Web tool - aimed at expert stakeholders and contains more detail on the implications of different pathway choices.
- Live: http://2050-calculator-tool.decc.gov.uk
- Old version: http://uk-old.2050.org.uk - for people with older browsers
- Cutting edge version: http://uk-test.2050.org.uk - for people who want to see what is coming next.
- Spreadsheet - the actual modelling is carried out in an excel spreadsheet. This contains all the assumptions and all the formulae used in the my2050 and webtool. To download it, go to the history of published versions of the 2050 Calculator.
It has bugs. See them and report new ones on the bug spotter.
The 2050 calculator approach has also been replicated in other parts of the world (not by us, but by groups in the country concerned):
- China: http://2050pathway.chinaenergyoutlook.org/
- India: http://indiaenergy.gov.in/
- South Korea: http://2050.sejong.ac.kr/
- Taiwan: http://my2050.twenergy.org.tw
- South Africa: https://www.environment.gov.za (link middle left of homepage)
- Belgium: http://www.climatechange.be/2050/ and also Wallonia (a region of Belgium): http://www.wbc2050.be
- Japan: http://www.2050-low-carbon-navi.jp/web/en/ (english) http://www.2050-low-carbon-navi.jp/web/jp/index.html (Japanese)
- Draft version for Indonesia: http://calculator2050.esdm.go.id/
- Draft version for Thailand: http://122.155.202.232/
Methodology and assumptions
Click here to see the 2050 Calculator methodology and assumptions.
Have your say
There are three message boards where you can have your say:
To write on a message board:
- click on "improve this page"
- you will be asked to register with an email address and password. Someone in the DECC team will activate your account within a couple of working days, after which time you will be able to comment by just clicking on the "improve this page" and entering your details.
Alternatively, you can email the team at: 2050pathways@decc.gsi.gov.uk.
For more information on the history of the 2050 Calculator and how to use it, please see: www.decc.gov.uk/2050