Abstract

‘Firming’ technologies can be coupled to variable wind and solar generation to meet electricity demand reliably. Options that could participate in this firming role include dispatchable electricity generators, electricity storage technologies, atmospheric carbon dioxide removal, and demand management. In this study, we allow various firming technologies to participate in a stylized net zero CO2 emission electricity system reliant on wind and solar generation. By examining a series of least-cost systems in which the most valuable firming technologies are sequentially removed, we demonstrate that reliable wind-and-solar-reliant electricity systems do not depend on the feasibility of any particular firming technology.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call