Moving toward a framework for electricity and heat equivalence in energy systems analysis

Autor: Christopher R. Galantino, C. Lindsay Anderson, Nazih Kassem, Jefferson W. Tester, Michal C. Moore
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: iScience, Vol 24, Iss 10, Pp 103123-(2021)
iScience
ISSN: 2589-0042
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103123
Popis: Summary Sustaining, maintaining, and upgrading the electricity grid, while meeting decarbonization goals is a challenge facing policymakers, regulators, grid operators, and investors. Simultaneously meeting demands for future capacity, retiring older inefficient technologies, and addressing externalities from energy production and use requires more diverse and inclusive technologies to avoid constraints and shortfalls in grid capability. Changing the energy production paradigm by encouraging alternative technologies was a key driver for FERC Order 2222. This stimulus for developing new small-scale generation will complement and supplement the existing fleet only if it attracts new investment. This investment must reflect technology that goes beyond the energy-only characteristics of traditional generation, creating systems where suites of energy-equivalent outputs are enhanced by environmental quality benefits and offsets. We use energy system designs to highlight the contribution that measuring and accounting for equivalency values provides net increases in capacity, electricity, and alternative fuels while simultaneously reducing carbon waste impacts.
Graphical abstract
Highlights • Methodology for calculating net carbon impact from energy systems is proposed • Alternative energy system contributions to the grid are evaluated • Reducing net carbon emissions using distributed energy resources are investigated • Electric capacity and heat offsets are offered as systems options for grid operators
Energy resources; Energy engineering; Energy systems
Databáze: OpenAIRE