Importance of GHG emissions assessment in the electricity grid expansion towards a low-carbon future: A time-varying carbon intensity approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 196 ◽  
pp. 1587-1599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imran Khan
Keyword(s):  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Electricity Grid

scholarly journals Does the Opening of High-Speed Railway Lines Reduce the Carbon Intensity of China’s Resource-Based Cities?

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4648
Author(s):  
Zhipeng Tang ◽  
Ziao Mei ◽  
Jialing Zou
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
National Average ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
High Speed Railway ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Endogenous Selection ◽  
Mode Of Development ◽  
The Impact

The carbon intensity of China’s resource-based cities (RBCs) is much higher than the national average due to their relatively intensive mode of development. Low carbon transformation of RBCs is an important way to achieve the goal of reaching the carbon emissions peak in 2030. Based on the panel data from 116 RBCs in China from 2003 to 2018, this study takes the opening of high-speed railway (HSR) lines as a quasi-experiment, using a time-varying difference-in-difference (DID) model to empirically evaluate the impact of an HSR line on reducing the carbon intensity of RBCs. The results show that the opening of an HSR line can reduce the carbon intensity of RBCs, and this was still true after considering the possibility of problems with endogenous selection bias and after applying the relevant robustness tests. The opening of an HSR line is found to have a significant reducing effect on the carbon intensity of different types of RBC, and the decline in the carbon intensity of coal-based cities is found to be the greatest. Promoting migration of RBCs with HSR lines is found to be an effective intermediary way of reducing their carbon intensity.

scholarly journals Thermal system-specific and net-zero carbon least-cost design of new houses in Canadian cold climates

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Wilbur
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Heat Pump ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Zero Carbon

Whole-building model optimizations have been performed for a single-detached house in 5 locations with varying climates, electricity emissions factors, and energy costs. The multi-objective optimizations determine the life-cycle cost vs. operational greenhouse gas emissions Pareto front to discover the 30-year life-cycle least-cost building design heated 1) with natural gas, and 2) electrically using a) central air-source heat pump, b) ductless mini-split heat pump c)ground-source heat pump, and d) electric baseboard, accounting for both initial and operational energy-related costs. A net-zero carbon design with grid-tied photovoltaics is also optimized. Results indicate that heating system type influences the optimal enclosure design, and that neither building total energy use, nor space heating demand correspond to GHG emissions across heating system types. In each location, at least one type of all-electric design has a lower life-cycle cost than the optimized gas-heated model, and such designs can mitigate the majority of operational GHG emissions from new housing in locations with a low carbon intensity electricity supply.

scholarly journals Towards net-zero carbon performance: using demand side management and a low carbon grid to reduce operational carbon emissions in a UK public office

2021 ◽  
Vol 2069 (1) ◽  
pp. 012150
Author(s):  
E Burman ◽  
N Jain ◽  
M de-Borja-Torrejón
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Demand Side Management ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Grid Integration ◽  
Demand Side ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Integration Strategy ◽  
Carbon Performance ◽  
And Control

Abstract This paper investigates the performance of an office building that has achieved a low carbon performance in practice thanks to a performance contract and Soft Landings approach. The findings show the potential of this building for further de-carbonisation as a result of electrification of heating and load shifting to take advantage of a low carbon electricity grid. Whilst retrospective modelling based on the past carbon intensity data shows the effectiveness of demand-side management, assessment of the existing smart readiness of the building revealed that the building services and control strategy are not fully equipped with the data analytics and carbon or price signal responsiveness required to facilitate grid integration. The environmental strategy and procurement method used for this building combined with an effective grid integration strategy can serve as a prototype for low carbon design to achieve the ever stringent carbon emissions objectives set out for the non-domestic buildings.

Optimal Net-Zero Cost Deep Energy Retrofit of Low-Rise Social Housing Townhouses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lubna Al-Tameemi
Keyword(s):  
Heat Pump ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Housing Stock ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Energy Retrofit

Whole building optimization retrofits have been performed for two townhouses in four locations with different climates to find both energy efficiency and cost-effective retrofit solutions across a thirty-year time span analysis. The objective is to find deep energy retrofit packages that can be used for large scale social housing retrofit. The multi-objective optimizations aim to achieve the least annualized related costs, lower initial and operational energy related costs and substantial carbon savings by analyzing one natural gas heated option and four electric heated options (baseboard heating system, central air-source heat pump, ductless mini-split heat pump and ground-source heat pump). Results reveal that prescriptive deep energy retrofit solutions achieved between 78% to 100% site energy reductions through building enclosures improvement, upgrades of HVAC and water heating systems, upgrades of appliances and lighting, and the addition of onsite renewable energy generation. Results also indicate that ductless mini-split heat pump (MSHP) optimized model has lower long-term costs and a shorter modified payback period than the optimized gas-heated model at all locations; thus suggesting that heating electrification is cost effective and can reduce the majority of operational GHG emissions of existing housing stock in locations with low carbon intensity electric grid. (834KB) https://digital.library.ryerson.ca/islandora/object/RULA:8613/datastream/Calc_Lubna/view (284KB) https://digital.library.ryerson.ca/islandora/object/RULA:8613/datastream/AnAl_Lubna/view (4 MB) https://digital.library.ryerson.ca/islandora/object/RULA:8613/datastream/AnHr_Lubna/view (5MB) https://digital.library.ryerson.ca/islandora/object/RULA:8613/datastream/Wind_Lubna/view (6MB) https://digital.library.ryerson.ca/islandora/object/RULA:8613/datastream/Toro_Lubna/view (6MB) https://digital.library.ryerson.ca/islandora/object/RULA:8613/datastream/Thby_Lubna/view (6MB) https://digital.library.ryerson.ca/islandora/object/RULA:8613/datastream/Otta_Lubna/view

Assessing the Carbon Intensity of Low-Enthalpy Deep Geothermal Heat

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair McCay ◽  
Jen Roberts ◽  
Michael Feliks
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Conventional Heating ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Emissions Reduction ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Geothermal Heating ◽  
Heat System ◽  
The Uk

<p>Decarbonising heating presents a significant societal challenge. Deep geothermal energy is widely recognised as a source of low carbon heat. However, to date there has been no assessment of the carbon intensity of heat from low-enthalpy deep geothermal as previous studies have focussed on geothermal power or higher enthalpy heat. Further, there is currently no established method for assessing the CO<sub>2</sub> emissions reduction from implementing a deep geothermal heating scheme.</p><p>To address these gaps, we performed a life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions relating to a typical deep geothermal heat system to (i) calculate the carbon intensity of geothermal heat (ii) identify the factors that most affect these values (iii) consider the carbon abated if geothermal heat substitutes conventional heating sources and (iv) set a benchmark methodology that future projects can adapt and apply to assess and enhance the carbon emissions reduction offered by geothermal heat development in the UK and internationally.</p><p>In the absence of an established deep geothermal heat system in the UK, to inform our work we adopted parameters from a feasibility study for a potential geothermal heat system in Banchory, Scotland. The Banchory project aimed to deliver heat to a network sourced from 2-3 km deep in a radiothermal granite where temperatures were predicted to be 70-90 °C. We assumed a 30 year project lifetime and that the heat system operation was powered by the UK electricity grid which was decarbonising over this period.</p><p>Our analysis found that the carbon intensity of deep geothermal heat is 9.7 - 14.0 kg(CO<sub>2</sub>e)/MWh<sub>th</sub>. This is ~5% of the value for natural gas heating. The carbon intensity is sensitive to several factors, and so the carbon intensity of deep geothermal heat could be reduced further by: replacing diesel fuelled drilling apparatus with natural gas or electricity powered hardware; decarbonise the power grid more rapidly than forecast; or substitute mains power with local renewable electricity to power pumps – or decarbonising the electricity grid faster or deeper; source lower carbon steel and cement; design projects to minimise land use change emissions.</p><p>Overall, our study provides quantitative evidence that deep geothermal systems can produce long term very low carbon heat that is compatible with net-zero, even for low enthalpy geothermal resources.</p>

scholarly journals Kuzbass Economy and Carbon Control Tools

2001 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1039-1046
Author(s):  
Galina E. Mekush ◽  
◽  
Andrey A. Panov
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Low Carbon Economy ◽  
Best Available Technologies ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Regional Product ◽  
Carbon Control

Kuzbass is a resource-type region. Therefore, any prospective carbon control law is a very relevant issue for this part of Siberia. Carbon control laws aim at meeting the environmental standards set up by the Paris Agreement. For Kuzbass, carbon control means production restrictions and poor competitiveness. The research objective was to assess the potential of Kuzbass economy for the period of climate adaptation. The authors analyze various performance evaluation methods that are used to assess carbon control tools, as well as various scenarios for the development of Russian economy. The analysis shows that Kuzbass demonstrates no orientation towards structural and technological modernization, thus proving unready for the transition to low-carbon economy. Local ecosystems are able to absorb no more than 13 % of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while the economic indicators of the carbon intensity keep decreasing as the growth rates of the gross regional product (GRP) outstrip the consumption of fuel and energy resources. Local decision-makers can be recommended to pay special attention to the implementation rate of the best available technologies, as well as to the replication of the experience of effective climate strategies, including the sector of land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF). Carbon polygons and carbon farms can be a promising tool for the development of LULUCF sector, as they will also be able to increase the competitiveness of local companies on the carbon market

scholarly journals A Colorado-specific life cycle assessment model to support evaluation of low-carbon transportation fuels and policy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Somers ◽  
Liaw Batan ◽  
Baha Al-Alawi ◽  
Thomas H. Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Transportation System ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Transportation Fuels ◽  
Transportation Sector ◽  
Clean Fuels

Abstract The transportation sector accounts for over 20 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Colorado which without intervention will grow to over 30 million metric tons (MMT) of GHG emissions per year. This study seeks to develop a specific characterization of the Colorado fuel and transportation system using a customized life cycle assessment (LCA) model. The model (CO-GT) was developed as an analytical tool to define Colorado’s 2020 baseline life cycle GHG emissions for the transportation sector, and to examine Colorado-specific pathways for GHG reductions through fuel types and volumes changes that might be associated with a state clean fuel standard (CFS). By developing a life cycle assessment of transportation fuels that is specific to the state of Colorado’s geography, fleet makeup, policies, energy sector and more, these tools can evaluate various proposals for the transition towards a more sustainable state transportation system. The results of this study include a quantification of the Colorado-specific roles of clean fuels, electricity, extant policies, and fleet transition in projections of the state’s 2030 transportation sector GHG emissions. Relative to a 2020 baseline, electrification of the vehicle fleet is found to reduce state-wide lifecycle GHG emissions by 7.7 MMT CO2e by 2030, and a model CFS policy able to achieve similar reductions in the carbon intensity of clean fuels as was achieved by California in the first 10 years of its CFS policies is found to only reduce state-wide lifecycle GHG emissions by 0.2 MMT CO2e by 2030. These results illustrate the insensitivity of Colorado’s transportation fleet GHG emissions reductions to the presence of CFS policies, as proposed to date.

scholarly journals Thermal system-specific and net-zero carbon least-cost design of new houses in Canadian cold climates

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Wilbur
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Heat Pump ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Zero Carbon

Whole-building model optimizations have been performed for a single-detached house in 5 locations with varying climates, electricity emissions factors, and energy costs. The multi-objective optimizations determine the life-cycle cost vs. operational greenhouse gas emissions Pareto front to discover the 30-year life-cycle least-cost building design heated 1) with natural gas, and 2) electrically using a) central air-source heat pump, b) ductless mini-split heat pump c)ground-source heat pump, and d) electric baseboard, accounting for both initial and operational energy-related costs. A net-zero carbon design with grid-tied photovoltaics is also optimized. Results indicate that heating system type influences the optimal enclosure design, and that neither building total energy use, nor space heating demand correspond to GHG emissions across heating system types. In each location, at least one type of all-electric design has a lower life-cycle cost than the optimized gas-heated model, and such designs can mitigate the majority of operational GHG emissions from new housing in locations with a low carbon intensity electricity supply.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN ELECTRICITY AND TRANSPORT SECTORS BASED ON CARBON INTENSITY AND COSTS

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Štreimikienė
Keyword(s):  
Emission Reduction ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Ghg Emission ◽  
Eu Policy ◽  
Energy Technologies

The aim of the paper is to address the EU policy for achieving low carbon economy by assessing energy technologies in electricity and road transport sector based on costs and impact on climate change and to indicate the most competitive electricity and transport technologies taking into account EU policy targets in GHG emission reduction, utilization of renewable and energy efficiency improvements. The main tasks of the paper are: to develop the multi-criteria framework for comparative assessment of energy technologies by applying MCDM methods for the electricity generation and transport technologies assessment. The interval TOPSIS method is employed in order to tackle the uncertain criteria. The assessment framework allows the comparison of electricity generation technologies and road transport technologies in terms of their GHG emission reduction and economic impacts and facilitates decision making process in energy sector seeking to implement EU energy policies. The main indicators selected for technologies assessment are: private costs and life cycle GHG emissions. The ranking of energy technologies based on private costs and GHG emissions allowed prioritizing these technologies taking into account the lowest GHG emission reduction costs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document