Category: Policy

Time-Dependent Grid Emissions

Time-Dependent Grid Emissions

Time-Dependent Grid Emissions

05/13/19

“How can thinking of greenhouse gas emissions on a more minute level lead to more accurate recordings of greenhouse gas emissions?”

When grid emissions from electricity is analyzed, typically it is done so on a per-day or per-annum basis. However, with greater levels of distributed energy resources on the grid now, emission rates can vary hour to hour. By taking in Time-Dependent Grid Emissions to account, we can obtain a better picture of how much greenhouse gases are being released into the atmosphere. Demand side-response can help further minimize such emissions.

How Solar and Wind Will Be so Cheap That It Will Cause Coal Plants to Retire

How Solar and Wind Will Be so Cheap That It Will Cause Coal Plants to Retire

How Solar and Wind Will Be so Cheap That It Will Cause Coal Plants to Retire

05/12/19

“How will the low cost of renewables force coal plants to retire early?”

Solar and wind are dropping at cataclysmic rates. So much so, that new analysis has shown that soon in some parts of the world renewables will be so cheap that installing them will actually be cheaper than keeping existing coal infrastructure running, economically forcing such plants into early retirement. This is How Solar and Wind Will Be so Cheap That It Will Cause Coal Plants to Retire.

Clean Peak Standard

Clean Peak Standard

Clean Peak Standard

05/11/19

“How can we mandate that peak hour energy use utilizes a certain number of clean energy?”

Renewable energy mandates have been vital for the escalation of renewable energy. However, renewable energy powers only a tepid amount of the grid during peak energy use hours once the sun goes down. To solve this, utilities and governments can implement a Clean Peak Standard, which mandates that peak hours are powered by a certain amount of clean energy. The U.S Stated of Arizona, California, and Massachusetts are currently reviewing these for the prospect of implementation.

Real-Time Energy Markets

Real-Time Energy Markets

Real-Time Energy Markets

05/10/19

“How is energy traded in real-time?”

Because energy is such a critical infrastructure, it needs to be planned out and purchased ahead of time. However, not all predictions are perfect, and sometimes energy needs to be provided the day of. This results in the creation of a Real-Time Energy Market where energy can be traded quickly to meet system needs. The purchasing costs of energy in real time tends to be more expensive and price volatile than its day-ahead equivalent.

How to Reduce Energy Demand for Washing Machines

How to Reduce Energy Demand for Washing Machines

How to Reduce Energy Demand for Washing Machines

05/09/19

“How can we reduce energy demand for washing machines?”

Washing machines have become fundamental to human life. However, they are also extremely energy intensive and intense on the environment. So how can we use our engineering and policy mindset to solve this? Well, this can be accomplished with three methods.

1. Demand-side response By shift use of washing machines away from peak hours, we can ensure that not only does it tax the grid less but potentially use more clean energy.

2. Model upgrades: By replacing older machines with newer, more energy efficient models, their energy intensity will drop.

3. Reducing usage: By using washing machines less and replacing them with passive drying mechanisms such as hanging clothes, energy consumption will drop.

All of these are How to Reduce Energy Demand for Washing Machines.

Day-Ahead Energy Markets

Day-Ahead Energy Markets

Day-Ahead Energy Markets

05/07/19

“How can energy be purchased a day before it is produced?”

Energy is one of the most important facets of our civilization. So much so that it has to be predicted a day ahead of time to assure system stability. Since energy needs can be predicted a day ahead of time, energy can also be purchased wholesale by market participants a day beforehand. Although energy is purchased, it does not need to be generated in case the predicted need comes out to be lower. These Day-Ahead Energy Markets are used to ensure energy price stability.

Day Ahead Energy Forecasting

Day Ahead Energy Forecasting

Day Ahead Energy Forecasting

05/05/19

“How can an area’s energy needs be forecasted a day before it is actually produced?”

Energy is the lifeline to all modern day life. Whether it be charging up our laptops for work or keeping our food in the fridge cold. But in order to accomplish this energy must be generated and delivered for end use. To see how much energy is needed, utilities do something called Day Ahead Energy Forecasting in which utilities will use prior data and weather predictions to predict what energy load for the next day will need to be delivered.

Why Exporting Solar Energy over HVDC Lines During Summer Could Be Beneficial for California

Why Exporting Solar Energy over HVDC Lines During Summer Could Be Beneficial for California

Why Exporting Solar Energy over HVDC Lines During Summer Could Be Beneficial for California

05/04/19

“Why might exporting solar energy during fire season be in California’s benefit?”

Using HVDC for cross-border energy trading in and out of California is a fiery topic. Although it could achieve regional grid integration and help solve many indeterminacy issues, it also holds great risk in decreasing fire resilience if done during the fire-prone summer. Since we’ve already discussed some alternative against summertime export, it would only be fair to include solutions in support. Since California generates an oversupply of solar energy during the Summer, it can be exported to less sun-blessed states such as Oregon and Washington. Not only would this make-up for its winter deficits, but could also be used a policy leverage tool with other states. This is Why Exporting Solar Energy over HVDC Lines During Summer Could Be Beneficial for California.

Advantages of Rooftop Solar over Utility-Scale Solar

Advantages of Rooftop Solar over Utility-Scale Solar

Advantages of Rooftop Solar over Utility-Scale Solar

05/03/19

“What are the advantages of rooftop solar over utility-scale solar?”

In the solar energy resources world right now, there is a fierce debate over which technology should lead the way, rooftop solar or utility-scale. Although going for the utility way has its benefits, there are also advantages in rooftop distribution. Specifically, rooftop solar minimizes transmission loss by being closer to consumers, had more flexibility in orientation, can be easily tied to a battery, and gives people a sense of ownership. These are the Advantages of Rooftop Solar over Utility-Scale Solar.