Low-carbon Electricity Production Research Articles

Assessing the emissions reduction potential and economic feasibility of small-scale (

Small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) for residential applications has been demonstrated in different regions throughout the world. CHP can enable resilience in energy supply and serve as a transitional technology as the grid progresses to higher fractions of low carbon electricity production. However, there are very limited feasibility assessments in the context of US climate zones, policies, and economic factors. To address this gap, we assess how the economic feasibility and emissions impact of a small-scale, natural gas CHP system compares considering the local electrical grid in seven climate zones and six subgrid regions across the United States. This is accomplished using an in-house Python program alongside EnergyPlus that is used to size the CHP and/or thermal storage systems according to representative electrical and thermal demand profiles for multifamily residential buildings, optimizes CHP and thermal storage energy dispatch throughout the year to meet demands, assesses the system’s economic feasibility, and calculates the carbon emission reduction or increase relative to the local electrical grid. For the baseline cases considered, carbon emissions can be reduced by up to 12% for regions with high required thermal load and/or electricity derived from high carbon emitting sources. In many scenarios, carbon emissions increased. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of the systems, even considering recent incentives, remains a significant barrier. The resulting Python program is open-source and designed for use by both researchers and building owners to conduct their own small-scale CHP feasibility assessments.

Environmental Impact of Enhanced Geothermal Systems with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: A Comparative Life Cycle Analysis of Polish and Norwegian Cases

Low-carbon electricity and heat production is essential for keeping the decarbonization targets and climate mitigation goals. Thus, an accurate understanding of the potential environmental impacts constitutes a key aspect not only for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but also for other environmental categories. Life cycle assessment allows us to conduct an overall evaluation of a given process or system through its whole lifetime across various environmental indicators. This study focused on construction, operation and maintenance, and end-of-life phases, which were analyzed based on the ReCiPe 2016 method. Within this work, authors assessed the environmental performance of one of the renewable energy sources—Enhanced Geothermal Systems, which utilize supercritical carbon dioxide as a working fluid to produce electricity and heat. Heat for the process is extracted from hot, dry rocks, typically located at depths of approximately 4–5 km, and requires appropriate stimulation to enable fluid flow. Consequently, drilling and site preparation entail significant energy and material inputs. This stage, based on conducted calculations, exhibits the highest global warming potential, with values between 5.2 and 30.1 kgCO2eq/MWhel, corresponding to approximately 65%, 86%, and 94% in terms of overall impacts for ecosystems, human health, and resources categories, respectively. Moreover, the study authors compared the EGS impacts for the Polish and Norwegian conditions. Obtained results indicated that due to much higher electricity output from the Norwegian plant, which is sited offshore, the environmental influence remains the lowest, at a level of 11.9 kgCO2eq/MWhel. Polish cases range between 38.7 and 54.1 kgCO2eq/MWhel of global warming potential in terms of electricity production. Regarding power generation only, the impacts in the case of the Norwegian facility are two to five times lower than for the installation in the Polish conditions.

Sustainable energy and environmental sustainability in selected Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation countries

Global environmental threats from human accomplishments are becoming most complex and interlinked, with widespread repercussions for people, ecosystems, and economies. We investigate the impact of low-carbon electricity production and international trade on environmental sustainability in selected Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries, using economic growth and government expenditure as moderators from 1990 to 2019. Comprehensive empirical analysis and second-generation advanced econometric methodologies are applied to this study. Our results signify that low-carbon electricity production is negatively associated, while economic growth, international trade, and government expenditure are positively related to environmental sustainability. Moreover, low-carbon electricity production improves, while economic growth, international trade, and government expenditure deteriorate the environmental sustainability in selected APEC countries. This empirical evidence suggests that APEC countries should broaden low-carbon energy policies to accelerate renewable energy technology and industry system evolution, encouraging breakthrough technological innovations and industrialization of wind power, solar power, and bio-liquid fuels. Research limitations and directions discussed.

On the Dimensions Required for a Molten Salt Zero Power Reactor Operating on Chloride Salts

Molten salt reactors have gained substantial interest in the last years due to their flexibility and their potential for simplified closed fuel cycle operation for massive expansion in low-carbon electricity production, which will be required for a future net-zero society. The importance of a zero-power reactor for the process of developing a new, innovative rector concept, such as that required for the molten salt fast reactor based on iMAGINE technology, which operates directly on spent nuclear fuel, is described here. It is based on historical developments as well as the current demand for experimental results and key factors that are relevant to the success of the next step in the development process of all innovative reactor types. In the systematic modelling and simulation of a zero-power molten salt reactor, the radius and the feedback effects are studied for a eutectic based system, while a heavy metal rich chloride-based system are studied depending on the uranium enrichment accompanied with the effects on neutron flux spectrum and spatial distribution. These results are used to support the relevant decision for the narrowing down of the configurations supported by considerations on cost and proliferation for the follow up 3-D analysis. The results provide for the first time a systematic modelling and simulation approach for a new reactor physics experiment for an advanced technology. The expected core volumes for these configurations have been studied using multi-group and continuous energy Monte-Carlo simulations identifying the 35% enriched systems as the most attractive. This finally leads to the choice of heavy metal rich compositions with 35% enrichment as the reference system for future studies of the next steps in the zero power reactor investigation. An alternative could be the eutectic system in the case the increased core diameter is manageable. The inter-comparison of the different applied codes and approaches available in the SCALE package has delivered a very good agreement between the results, creating trust into the developed and used models and methods.

Brazil\u2019s emission trajectories in a well-below 2\xa0\xb0C world: the role of disruptive technologies versus land-based mitigation in an already low-emission energy system

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement (PA) submitted so far do not put the world on track to meet the targets of the Agreement and by 2020 countries should ratchet up ambition in the new round of NDCs. Brazil’s NDC to the PA received mixed reviews and has been rated as “medium” ambition. We use the Brazil Land Use and Energy System (BLUES) model to explore low-emission scenarios for Brazil for the 2010–2050 period that cost-effectively raise ambition to levels consistent with PA targets. Our results reinforce the fundamental role of the agriculture, forest, and land use (AFOLU) sectors and explore inter-sectoral linkages to power generation and transportation. We identify transportation as a prime candidate for decarbonization, leveraging Brazil’s already low-carbon electricity production and its high bioenergy production. Results indicate the most important mitigation measures are electrification of the light-duty vehicle (LDV) fleet for passenger transportation, biodiesel and biokerosene production via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis from lignocellulosic feedstock, and intensification of agricultural production. The use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) as well as netzero deforestation make significant contributions. We identify opportunities for Brazil, but synergies and trade-offs across sectors should be minded when designing climate policies.

An empirical analysis of financial markets and instruments influencing the low-carbon electricity production transition

This study focuses on Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS countries), which contribute over 40% of global CO2 emissions. Using panel co-integration tests, fully modified OLS and seemingly unrelated regressions, the study contributes to the literature by revealing that public debt securities foster the transition from fossil fuel electricity towards low-carbon electricity, whereas private credit is mostly profitless for electricity production transition. The explanation is that environmental pressure urges public capital to play a vital role in electricity transition, while bank loans are reluctant to leave the electricity from fossil fuel for considerable returns. The installed capacity of electricity stations drives the association between financial capital and electricity production. Financial markets in China and South Africa play a more significant role in electricity transition than the other countries. Low-carbon electricity transition requires transformation of financial markets in all these countries.

Reducing Emissions and Costs with Vehicle-to-Grid

Determining when and how to charge electric vehicles to minimize costs and potential greenhouse gas emissions is a complex optimization problem. Recently in Applied Energy, Brinkel et. al. developed a multi-objective smart charging method that can reduce costs and cut carbon emissions without upgrading existing grid infrastructure in model case scenarios.

Why Brexit Matters - A Survey on the Effects of Brexit and the Paris Agreement over the UK Energy and Climate Change Strategies

Recent updates on the United Kingdom’s strategies on climate change devoted scant attention to Brexit. Based on this, one could imagine that Brexit will have little impact on the UK’s policies for climate change mitigation. This paper presents the results of qualitative research that coupled comprehensive literature review with data collected through a survey involving 100 relevant UK and non-UK stakeholders, demonstrating the existence of deep links between Brexit and the future of UK climate strategies. Focusing on possible Brexit impacts on the UK’s programmes for mitigating emissions, as well as on its impacts on domestic low-carbon electricity production, this paper aims to raise awareness on a subject to which little attention has been paid to date. In doing so, this paper focuses on the direct impacts of Brexit, yet also identifies possible correlations with the international Paris Agreement on Climate Change. As a result, this paper shows that Brexit is creating significant risks and uncertainties, which may challenge the roots of UK efforts against climate change. Yet, we also discuss how, once linked to the Paris Agreement, Brexit may lead to unexplored but significant opportunities for the future of UK climate and energy strategies.

Planning for a renewable future in the Brazilian power system

The Brazilian electricity system is an important example of a large country relying on a high renewable energy matrix with a major focus on hydropower, which has historically allowed for low carbon electricity production. However, the increase in the demand and climate change impacts on the availability of these renewable resources represent important challenges for long-term power planning. The contribution of this paper is twofold: Firstly, a first attempt to use the EnergyPLAN model for the analysis of the Brazilian electricity sector and in particular to study future scenarios is presented. Secondly, the possibility of achieving a 100% RES system is also addressed. The 100% RES scenario is found to be theoretically possible but a substantial increase in the overall installed capacity would be required, to support the grid mainly during the spring and summer season. The results underline the importance of seasonal complementarity of hydro and wind power and reveal how an increase in RES would add exportation potential, reducing also the Brazilian external energy dependency. The study identifies risk factors for these high RES scenarios and outlines several avenues for future research to address cost, environmental and technical uncertainties of the system.

Low-carbon electricity production through the implementation of photovoltaic panels in rooftops in urban environments: A case study for three cities in Peru.

Urban environments in Latin America must begin decarbonizing their activities to avoid increasing greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions rates due to their reliance on fossil fuel-based energy to support economic growth. In this context, cities in Latin America have high potential to convert sunlight into energy. Hence, the main objective of this study was to determine the potential of electricity self-sufficiency production and mitigation of GHG emissions in three medium-sized cities in Peru through the revalorization of underutilized rooftop areas in urban environments. Each city represented a distinct natural area of Peru: Pacific coast, Andean region and Amazon basin. More specifically, photovoltaic solar systems were the technology selected for implementation in these rooftop areas. Data on incident solar energy, temperature and energy consumption were collected. Thereafter, ArcGis10.3 was used to quantify the total usable area in the cities. A series of correction factors, including tilt, orientation or roof profiles were applied to attain an accurate value of usable area. Finally, Life Cycle Assessment was the methodology chosen to calculate the reduction of environmental impacts as compared to the current context of using electricity from the regional grids. Results showed that the cities assessed have the potential to obtain their entire current electricity demand for residential, commercial and public lighting purposes, augmenting energy security and resilience to intermittent natural disasters, with the support of decentralized storage systems. This approach would also translate into substantial reductions in terms of GHG emissions. Annual reductions in GHG emissions ranged from 112ton CO2eq in the city of Ayacucho to over 523kton CO2eq in Pucallpa, showing that cities in the Amazon basin would be the ones that benefit the most in terms of climate change mitigation.

Solar Farm Suitability Using Geographic Information System Fuzzy Sets and Analytic Hierarchy Processes: Case Study of Ulleung Island, Korea

Solar farm suitability in remote areas will involve a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) process, particularly well suited for the geographic information system (GIS) environment. Photovoltaic (PV) solar farm criteria were evaluated for an island-based case region having complex topographic and regulatory criteria, along with high demand for low-carbon local electricity production: Ulleung Island, Korea. Constraint variables that identified areas forbidden to PV farm development were consolidated into a single binary constraint layer (e.g., environmental regulation, ecological protection, future land use). Six factor variables were selected as influential on-site suitability within the geospatial database to seek out increased annual average power performance and reduced potential investment costs, forming new criteria layers for site suitability: solar irradiation, sunshine hours, average temperature in summer, proximity to transmission line, proximity to roads, and slope. Each factor variable was normalized via a fuzzy membership function (FMF) and parameter setting based on the local characteristics and criteria for a fixed axis PV system. Representative weighting of the relative importance for each factor variable was assigned via pairwise comparison completed by experts. A suitability index (SI) with six factor variables was derived using a weighted fuzzy summation method. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess four different SI based on the development scenarios (i.e., the combination of factors being considered). From the resulting map, three highly suitable regions were suggested and validated by comparison with satellite images to confirm the candidate sites for solar farm development. The GIS-MCE method proposed can also be applicable widely to other PV solar farm site selection projects with appropriate adaption for local variables.

Perspectives for low-carbon electricity production until 2030: Lessons learned from the comparison of local contexts in Poland and Portugal

ABSTRACTThis paper compares perspectives for low-carbon electricity production in two EU member states – Poland and Portugal until 2030. Electricity production capacities, carbon emissions of electricity production, and production cost of electricity (COE) of Poland and Portugal are analyzed. The dilemmas of investments into low-carbon electricity production technologies relying on: (i) renewable energy sources (RES), (ii) nuclear fuel, and (iii) fossil fuels integrated with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) are discussed. Roadmap 2050 recommends about 40% decarbonization of electricity generation by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Based on electricity production mix forecast for 2030, carbon emissions of electricity are estimated at 163 GgC TWhe−1 in Poland and at 93.2 GgC TWhe−1 in Portugal. Therefore, both compared countries must implement energy policies aimed at carbon emissions reduction through expanded utilization of RES (Poland – bioenergy, wind; Portugal – hydro, wind, solar), advanced CCS options (using local synergy opportunities), and optionally nuclear power (Poland).

Deep CO2 emission reductions in a global bottom-up model approach

Most studies that explore deep GHG emission reduction scenarios assume that climate goals are reached by implementing least-cost emission mitigation options, typically by implementing a global carbon tax. Although such a method provides insight into total mitigation costs, it does not provide much information about how to achieve a transition towards a low-carbon energy system, which is of critical importance to achieving ambitious climate targets. To enable sensible deep emission reduction strategies, this study analysed the effectiveness of 16 specific mitigation measures on a global level up to 2050, by using an energy-system simulation model called TIMER. The measures range from specific energy efficiency measures, like banning traditional light bulbs and subsidizing electric vehicles, to broader policies like introducing a carbon tax in the electricity sector. All measures combined lead to global CO2 emission reductions ranging between 39% and 73% compared to baseline by 2050, depending on the inclusion of sectoral carbon taxes and the availability of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and nuclear power. Although the effectiveness of the measures differs largely across regions, this study indicates that measures aimed at stimulating low-carbon electricity production result in the highest reductions in all regions.Policy relevanceThe results of the calculations can be used to evaluate the effects of individual climate change mitigation measures and identify priorities in discussions on global and regional policies. The type of fragmented policy scenarios presented here could provide a relevant bottom-up alternative to cost-optimal implementation of policies driven by a carbon tax. We identify overlapping and even counter-productive climate policy measures through an analysis that presents the policy effectiveness by region, and by sector. The set of 16 policy measures addresses the largest emitting sectors and represents options that are often discussed as part of planned policies.

Assessing the dynamic material criticality of infrastructure transitions: A case of low carbon electricity

Decarbonisation of existing infrastructure systems requires a dynamic roll-out of technology at an unprecedented scale. The potential disruption in supply of critical materials could endanger such a transition to low-carbon infrastructure and, by extension, compromise energy security more broadly because low carbon technologies are reliant on these materials in a way that fossil-fuelled energy infrastructure is not. Criticality is currently defined as the combination of the potential for supply disruption and the exposure of a system of interest to that disruption. We build on this definition and develop a dynamic approach to quantifying criticality, which monitors the change in criticality during the transition towards a low-carbon infrastructure goal. This allows us to assess the relative risk of different technology pathways to reach a particular goal and reduce the probability of being ‘locked in’ to currently attractive but potentially future-critical technologies. To demonstrate, we apply our method to criticality of the proposed UK electricity system transition, with a focus on neodymium. We anticipate that the supply disruption potential of neodymium will decrease by almost 30% by 2050; however, our results show the criticality of low carbon electricity production increases ninefold over this period, as a result of increasing exposure to neodymium-reliant technologies.

Getting Smart? Climate Change and the Electric Grid

Interest in the potential of smart grid to transform the way societies generate, distribute, and use electricity has increased dramatically over the past decade. A smarter grid could contribute to both climate change mitigation and adaptation by increasing low-carbon electricity production and enhancing system reliability and resilience. However, climate goals are not necessarily essential for smart grid. Climate change is only one of many considerations motivating innovation in electricity systems, and depending on the path of grid modernization, a future smart grid might do little to reduce, or could even exacerbate, risks associated with climate change. This paper identifies tensions within a shared smart grid vision and illustrates how competing societal priorities are influencing electricity system innovation. Co-existing but divergent priorities among key actors’ are mapped across two critical dimensions: centralized versus decentralized energy systems and radical versus incremental change. Understanding these tensions provides insights on how climate change objectives can be integrated to shape smart grid development. Electricity system change is context-specific and path-dependent, so specific strategies linking smart grid and climate change need to be developed at local, regional, and national levels. And while incremental improvements may bring short term gains, a radical transformation is needed to realize climate objectives.

Uranium mining and milling: the need for reference materials in environmental radioactivity monitoring programmes

Environmental radioactivity monitoring programmes are now implemented in many countries around legacy uranium mining and milling sites and current uranium mining sites and include, for example, the analyses of soil, plant, meat and water samples. Often, there are legal requirements on periodic reporting of this monitoring. The results are used to assess compliance with the standards for radiation exposure of the public. To provide quality assurance, there is a need for reference materials (RMs) for use in monitoring programmes related to assessment of environmental contamination, uranium waste management and radiation protection in uranium areas. Reliable uranium supply to satisfy the increasing demand for low-carbon electricity production needs to meet the increasing environmental and health safety standards and public concerns for responsible information.

Feasibility of Electrifying Urban Goods Distribution Trucks

This paper discusses the feasibility of electrifying medium to heavy urban goods distribution trucks. As a case study, an existing transport system in the Swedish city of Gothenburg is used. The project is a joint research effort between a vehicle OEM, an electric utility, a fleet operator, the Swedish Transport Administration and two research organizations. One main objective is to determine if and when different electrified powertrains are cost efficient to the end user. The results indicate that by 2015 conventional powertrains are still probably the most cost effective alternative in all applications studied. But in 2025, electrified powertrains are most cost efficient for most transport scenarios. These results indicate a transition in preferred powertrain technology for urban trucks within the coming ten years. It is important to point out that this result may not be general. Driving patterns, energy price developments and technology maturity of components such as batteries and motors greatly influence the total cost of ownership and large regional differences in when such a transition may occur are expected. In addition to the total cost of ownership, important issues for a successful deployment are policies (e.g. restricting access to urban areas for noisy and polluting vehicles), information and communication solutions (e.g. adapted route planning), access to a cost effective charging infrastructure (and low-carbon electricity production) and new business models. These must all be developed in parallel to the vehicle and powertrain technology. The large number of different stakeholders involved in this transition is also a challenge in itself.

Scenarios for greenhouse gas emissions reduction from tourism: an extended tourism satellite account approach in a regional setting

Tourism results in the emission of climate-changing greenhouse gases. There has been limited destination-focused quantitative analysis of how tourism might be reshaped to reduce these emissions. This paper uses an extended tourism environmental satellite account methodology to examine the case of tourism in Wales, a United Kingdom region. It shows how an estimate of the emissions associated with trips to, and in, the region – internally, from the rest of the UK and from abroad – can contribute to regional aspirations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis suggests that substantial emissions cuts are dependent upon technical developments outside of tourism itself. Four potential scenarios are devised and analysed. Scenario 1 shows the value of low carbon electricity production in cutting tourism-related emissions. Scenario 2 analyses a possible 50% fall in international arrivals and 10% increase in UK domestic arrivals – maintaining employment but reducing emissions. Scenario 3 shows the effects of switch from private to public transport modes for 50% of UK resident arrivals. Scenario 4 examines the outcomes of reducing ground transport emissions by using electric, biofuel and hybrid technologies. All scenarios cut emissions, none are highly effective and most are dependent on changes in society and governance.

Mode Shift as a Measure to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Forecasts indicate that it is not possible to reduce total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport to fulfil the target of two degrees global warming with technology means alone. It is possible to reduce GHG-emissions for all modes but still rail will be the most efficient mode by 2050. Rail has a modest market share in the EU in comparison with ‘best practice’ rail systems in the world. There is a big potential if the rail system is developed with new high speed rail and freight corridors as well as an upgraded conventional network and intermodal systems.This paper presents an estimation of the effects of a partial mode shift to rail transport applying world's ‘best practice’ by the year 2050. It is shown that such a mode shift to rail can reduce EU transport GHG emissions over land by about 20%, compared with a baseline scenario. In combination with lowcarbon electricity production a reduction of about 30% may be achieved. A developed rail system can thus substantially contribute to the EU target of reducing GHG emissions in the transport sector by 60% below 1990 levels. To enable such a mode shift and to manage the demand for capacity, there is a need ofinvestments. This will also maintain and increase mobility for passengers and freight transport.

Competition Policy and the Transition to a Low-Carbon, Efficient Electricity Industry

U.S. industries are facing intense pressures to become more energy efficient, driven by the need to lower the carbon footprints of energy-intensive sectors and to achieve energy security. A successful transition to a new era of efficient, low-carbon electricity production and usage will require fundamental changes in the way we plan for, produce, deliver, and price a critically important commodity. The purpose of this article is to explore the importance of competition policy in a transitioning electricity industry. It starts by setting out the important precondition of the new era: market participants have fundamentally different objectives than in the old regime, and these changed objectives need to be recognized in order to fashion appropriate policy. Next, the paper presents some of the major competitive issues that are likely to arise in the new era, including: access and demand response technologies, the design of markets for CO2 emissions allowances, and transmission planning. The paper concludes with a number of recommendations for how competition policy can best promote a successful transition.