Net Zero Corridors: A Case Study Approach from Perth, Australia to Decarbonize Urban Power and Transport

Abstract

The transition to net zero cities is a pivotal challenge in the face of climate change. This research introduces a novel methodology termed "Net Zero Corridors," which emphasizes a bottom-up approach to decarbonize urban power and transport systems. By focusing on urban corridors, this method integrates distributed power systems with urban transport, offering a localized solution to the broader challenge of urban decarbonization. Drawing from urban fabric theory and urban metabolism data, the study provides insights into the application of various renewable technologies in diverse urban settings, particularly in automobile-dominated cities like Perth, Australia. The net zero city agenda is gathering momentum but faces the issues of transition using either top-down large-scale technologies or bottom-up local-scale technologies that make the most out of the small-scale niches that have been created around renewables. This paper seeks to show how a bottom-up process can be used to start a more effective local scale approach using net zero corridors that can enable more net zero precincts with distributed power systems and at the same time integrate and decarbonize transport systems. Data on Perth are collected and processed to show the economic viability of such net zero projects though they are not yet linked to good transit systems. The net zero corridor concept is demonstrated and shows how to enable a series of net zero precincts that create large steps in removing fossil fuels. These corridor precincts can spread into surrounding suburbs through expanding the local microgrids and their local governance embracing more and more of the city. The net zero corridor concept can be used to transition to net zero cities using bottom-up approaches that link the transformation of power systems and the transformation of transport systems.