THE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF AN URBAN ENERGY MODEL

A computer model, DREAM-City, has been developed by the Energy and Environment Research Unit at the Open University to assist urban energy planners and Local Authorities in the preparation and monitoring of energy and pollution reduction policies. The model was applied to the city of Leicester and its validity was tested by comparing the model's simulation of the energy supply and demand patterns of Leicester for the years 1984 to 1994 with data on actual demand supplied by the Utilities for the region. The model was then used to create three scenarios of future energy use in Leicester. The scenarios showed that it is possible for Leicester to meet its target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions to 50% of 1990 levels by 2025.