I am a researcher specializing in energy systems analysis, low-carbon technologies, and sustainability assessment. I recently completed my PhD at ETH Zurich, in collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), where I investigated the techno-economic and environmental performance of low-carbon fuels and their role in the global energy transition. My research combines life cycle assessment, energy system optimization, and spatially explicit modelling to explore technology pathways, regional opportunities, and environmental trade-offs. I am particularly interested in bridging engineering, environmental science, and energy policy to support evidence-based decisions for a more sustainable and low-carbon future.
Zipeng's main research/work interest areas:
Energy systems modelling and decarbonization pathways: Exploring the role of emerging technologies and low-carbon fuels in global energy transitions.
Techno-economic assessment (TEA) and mathematical optimization: Assessing technology costs, performance, and optimal system configurations under future scenarios.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental sustainability: Evaluating environmental impacts and trade-offs of energy technologies and industrial processes.
Spatially explicit energy and resource analysis: Investigating regional differences in renewable energy resources, infrastructure, and sustainable fuel production.
Zipeng's favorite cities and why:
Shanghai, China: I spent my undergraduate years in Shanghai, and it remains one of my favorite cities. I love its international atmosphere, openness, and diversity, not to mention the incredible food from all over China and the world!
Lausanne, Switzerland: I love Lausanne for its beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Built on hills overlooking the lake, the city has a relaxed, slower pace of life that makes it a wonderful place to enjoy nature and everyday moments.
(optional) Any collaboration interests you'd like to share with SUS members?
I’d love to connect with researchers working on energy transitions, industrial decarbonization, and sustainability assessment. I’m particularly interested in collaborations that combine life cycle assessment, spatial modelling, and energy systems analysis to explore how emerging low-carbon technologies can contribute to more sustainable cities and industries, while considering their environmental and economic trade-offs.
(optional) How did you get interested in cities research? What drew you to sustainability topics?
My interest in sustainability grew from studying environmental science and exploring the connections between human activities, energy systems, and the environment. Living in cities like Shanghai and Zurich has also made me curious about how cities balance economic development with environmental challenges. These experiences shaped my research interests in energy transitions and low-carbon technologies. I particularly enjoy using quantitative modelling to understand complex sustainability challenges and translate research into practical solutions.
Recent publications
- Global economic and environmental trade-offs of power-to-liquid fuels
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2026.122177
This study combines spatially explicit energy system optimization, techno-economic assessment, and prospective life cycle assessment to investigate the economic and environmental performance of synthetic methanol and sustainable aviation fuels across different global regions. We demonstrate that low production costs do not necessarily translate into low environmental impacts, highlighting the importance of regional electricity systems, renewable resources, and technology configurations in sustainable fuel production.
- Global cost drivers and regional trade-offs for low-carbon fuels: a prospective techno-economic assessment
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EE05591A
This study presents a global techno-economic assessment of 21 low-carbon fuel production pathways across all countries under future scenarios up to 2050. By integrating spatially explicit renewable resources, technological learning, financing conditions, and international transport infrastructure, we identify the key drivers of regional competitiveness and highlight opportunities and challenges for developing sustainable low-carbon fuel supply chains.
