Natural Gas, Wind and Nuclear Options for Generating Electricity in a Carbon Constrained World

Natural Gas, Wind and Nuclear Options for Generating Electricity in a Carbon Constrained World
Author: Gerrit C. Van Kooten
Publisher:
Total Pages: 28
Release: 2012
Genre: Carbon taxes
ISBN:

A linear programming model is used to examine the impact of carbon taxes on the optimal generation mix in the Alberta electrical system. The model permits decommissioning of generating assets with high carbon dioxide emissions and investment in new gas-fired, wind and, in some scenarios, nuclear capacity. Although there is an intertie from Alberta to the U.S., the focus is on the connection to British Columbia as wind energy can potentially be stored in reservoirs behind hydroelectric dams. However, storage can also be used to smooth out the net load facing nuclear facilities. A carbon tax facilitates early removal of coal-fired capacity, which is replaced by low-emissions gas plants. It is only when the carbon tax exceeds $125/tCO2 that wind enters the system, although wind is displaced by nuclear power if that option is permitted. Although upfront costs of adding nuclear capacity are prohibitive, nuclear outcompetes wind because wind farms have low capacity factors and, importantly, because a great deal of gas-plant capacity is required to support wind, something avoided when nuclear energy is added. Finally, an intertie with British Columbia is beneficial because of the support it provides for wind and nuclear energy, but the role of natural gas is more important in facilitating a transition to lower system-wide carbon dioxide emissions.

Generating Electricity in a Carbon-Constrained World

Generating Electricity in a Carbon-Constrained World
Author: Fereidoon Sioshansi
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 633
Release: 2009-10-21
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0080889719

The electric power sector is what keeps modern economies going, and historically, fossil fuels provided the bulk of the energy need to generate electricity, with coal a dominant player in many parts of the world. Now with growing concerns about global climate change, this historical dependence on fossil-fuels, especially those rich in carbon, are being questioned. Examining the implications of the industry's future in a carbon-constrained world, a distinct reality, is the subject of this book. Containing contributions from renowned scholars and academics from around the world, this book explores the various energy production options available to power companies in a carbon-constrained world. The three part treatment starts with a clear and rigorous exposition of the short term options including Clean Coal and Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technology, Coal, and Emission trading. Renewable energy options such as Nuclear Energy, Wind power, Solar power, Hydro-electric, and Geothermal energy are clearly explained along with their trade-offs and uncertainties inherent in evaluating and choosing different energy options and provides a framework for assessing policy solutions. This is followed by self-contained chapters of case-studies from all over the world. Other topics discussed in the book are Creating markets for tradable permits in the emerging carbon era, Global Action on Climate Change, The Impossibility of Staunching World CO2 Emissions and Energy efficiency. - Clearly explains short term and long term options - Contributions from renowned scholars and academics from around the world - Case-studies from all over the world

Natural gas, wind and nuclear options for generating electricity in a carbon constrained world

Natural gas, wind and nuclear options for generating electricity in a carbon constrained world
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2012
Genre:
ISBN:

A linear programming model is used to examine the impact of carbon taxes on the optimal generation mix in the Alberta electrical system. The model permits decommissioning of generating assets with high carbon dioxide emissions and investment in new gas-fired, wind and, in some scenarios, nuclear capacity. Although there is an intertie from Alberta to the U.S., the focus is on the connection to British Columbia as wind energy can potentially be stored in reservoirs behind hydroelectric dams. However, storage can also be used to smooth out the net load facing nuclear facilities. A carbon tax facilitates early removal of coal-fired capacity, which is replaced by low-emissions gas plants. It is only when the carbon tax exceeds $125/tCO2 that wind enters the system, although wind is displaced by nuclear power if that option is permitted. Although upfront costs of adding nuclear capacity are prohibitive, nuclear outcompetes wind because wind farms have low capacity factors and, importantly, because a great deal of gas-plant capacity is required to support wind, something avoided when nuclear energy is added. Finally, an intertie with British Columbia is beneficial because of the support it provides for wind and nuclear energy, but the role of natural gas is more important in facilitating a transition to lower system-wide carbon dioxide emissions.

Wind Versus Nuclear Options for Generating Electricity in a Carbon Constrained World

Wind Versus Nuclear Options for Generating Electricity in a Carbon Constrained World
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2016
Genre:
ISBN:

Further, Ri is the Although Alberta's power system is completely amount of time it takes to ramp production from plant i. deregulated, for convenience it is assumed the Alberta Electric Transmission between Alberta and BC, and Alberta and MidC, System Operator (AESO) allocates generation across assets is constrained depending on whether power is exported or imported; the import and export constrai [...] To model this constraint requires import or export up to 300 MW of electricity from the MidC the use of a binary variable for each intertie in the model. [...] Load data used in the model are for Alberta, while k,t k,t BC intertie, and then employ the following linear constraint to BC and MidC prices are used along with Alberta prices to limit the flow of electricity to one direction: determine movements along the interties. [...] One possible explanation relates to the dams (Bighorn and Brazeau) with a combined generating composition of the industrial sector, which is the major capacity of 475 MW; however, their combined capacity factor consumer of energy in the two provinces. [...] The general effect of integrating wind into an existing removed, although decommissioning of capacity is assumed to grid is to increase the variability of the adjusted load.

Diversifying energy options in a carbon-constrained world

Diversifying energy options in a carbon-constrained world
Author: David C. Dayton
Publisher: RTI Press
Total Pages: 8
Release: 2021-12-21
Genre: Science
ISBN:

Diversifying Energy Options in a Carbon-Constrained World is a new series to be published by RTI Press to provide a wide, cross-disciplinary discussion of carbon mitigation options and strategies to inform national and international research, scientific discussions, and policy debates. Human influence on the climate system is an established fact, and global warming—already resulting in the likelihood of more frequent and intense weather events—has been observed. A combination of new technologies, social acceptance, and environmental regulations at the local, national, and international levels will be needed to realize a sustained, multidisciplinary effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There is a critical need to reduce the static, calm the hype, and provide a realistic and complete presentation of facts to support climate change mitigation decisions.

Carbon-free and Nuclear-free

Carbon-free and Nuclear-free
Author: Arjun Makhijani
Publisher: RDR Books
Total Pages: 300
Release: 2007
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9781571431738

In a world confronting global climate change, political turmoil among oil exporting nations, nuclear weapons proliferation, nuclear plant safety and waste disposal issues, the United States must assume a leadership role in moving to a zero-CO2-emissions energy economy. At the same time America needs to take the lead in reducing the world's reliance on nuclear power. This breakthrough joint study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research and the Nuclear Policy Research Institute shows how our energy needs can be met by alternative sources, as wind, solar, hydrogen, biomass, microalgae, geothermal and wave power are all part of the solution. Must reading for everyone concerned with energy politics and the planet's future, Carbon-Free is already making headlines.

Carbon-Neutral Fuels and Energy Carriers

Carbon-Neutral Fuels and Energy Carriers
Author: Nazim Z. Muradov
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 851
Release: 2011-09-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1439818576

Concerns over an unstable energy supply and the adverse environmental impact of carbonaceous fuels have triggered considerable efforts worldwide to find carbon-free or low-carbon alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. Carbon-Neutral Fuels and Energy Carriers emphasizes the vital role of carbon-neutral energy sources, transportation fuels, and associated technologies for establishing a sustainable energy future. Each chapter draws on the insight of world-renowned experts in such diverse fields as photochemistry and electrochemistry, solar and nuclear energy, biofuels and synthetic fuels, carbon sequestration, and alternative fuel vehicles. After an introductory chapter on different energy options in a carbon-constrained world and proposed measures to stabilize atmospheric CO2, the book analyzes the advantages and challenges facing the introduction of hydrogen fuel to the marketplace. It then examines the role of nuclear power in the production of carbon-free energy and fuels as well as the efficient use and storage of renewable energy resources, emphasizing the production of solar fuels from water and CO2. The book also discusses different aspects of bioenergy and biofuels production and use and the potential role of bio-inspired energy systems and industrial processes. The final chapters present a thorough overview and analysis of state-of-the-art fossil fuel decarbonization technologies and clean transportation options. This authoritative work provides the information needed to make more informed choices regarding available clean energy and fuel alternatives. It helps readers to better understand the interconnection between energy and the environment as well as the potential impact of human activities on climate.

The Future of Nuclear Fuel Cycle

The Future of Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 237
Release: 2011
Genre: Energy policy
ISBN: 9780982800843

"In this analysis we have presented a method that provides insight into future fuel cycle alternatives by clarifying the complexity of choosing an appropriate fuel cycle in the context of the distribution of burdens and benefits between generations. The current nuclear power deployment practices, together with three future fuel cycles were assessed."--Page 227.