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What is the role of distributed energy resources under scenarios of greenhouse gas reductions? A specific focus on combined heat and power systems in the industrial and commercial sectors
Citation:
Kaplan, O. AND J. Witt. What is the role of distributed energy resources under scenarios of greenhouse gas reductions? A specific focus on combined heat and power systems in the industrial and commercial sectors. Applied Energy. Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands, 235:83-94, (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.10.125
Impact/Purpose:
Combined heat and power (CHP) is promoted as an economical, energy-efficient option for reducing air emissions, mitigating carbon emissions and reducing reliance on grid electricity. However, its potential benefits have only been analyzed within the context of the current energy system. To fully examine the viability of CHP as a clean-technology alternative, its growth must be analyzed considering how the energy sector may transform under the influence of various technological drivers and policy decisions that are specifically geared toward limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Scenarios were developed and analyzed via a bottom-up technology model of the U.S. energy system to determine the impacts on CHP development and emissions. The largest CHP investments were observed in the scenarios that limited CO2 emission from the electric sector. The investments were scaled back in the scenarios that incorporated energy system level reduction goals. The system level reduction scenarios yielded rapid transformation of the electric sector towards zero-emissions technologies as reliance on electricity increases with the electrification of the many end-use sectors such as buildings, transportation and industrial sectors, reducing investment in CHP. The results suggest that CHP could play a role in a carbon-constrained world, but that role diminishes as carbon reduction goals become more stringent.
Description:
This is a manuscript that analyzes combined heat and power (CHP)'s potential benefits within the context of the current and future evolution of the US energy system. Scenarios were developed and analyzed via a bottom-up technology model of the U.S. energy system to determine the impacts on CHP development and emissions. Various scenarios were considered, from limiting carbon emissions in the electric generating units (EGU) sector to whole energy system. The largest CHP investments were observed in the scenarios that limited CO2 emission from the EGU sector. The investments were scaled back in the scenarios that incorporated energy system level CO2 and CO2e reduction goals. The system level reduction scenarios yielded rapid transformation of the EGU sector towards zero-emissions technologies as reliance on electricity increases with the electrification of the many end-use sectors such as buildings, transportation and industrial sectors, reducing investment in CHP. The results suggest that CHP could play a role in a carbon-constrained world, but that role diminishes as carbon reduction goals become more stringent.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: What is the role of distributed energy resources under scenarios of greenhouse gas reductions? A specific focus on combined heat and power systems in the industrial and commercial sectors
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