XML FeedsWind Power: The Economic Impact of Intermittency
By CostBenefit on Nov 11, 2009 | In Energy, Climate Change GHG Carbon CO2, Academic Study/Journal Article, Canada, Costs and Benefits, Free Report at Time of Entry | Send feedback »
Link: http://web.uvic.ca/~kooten/REPA/WorkingPaper2009-04.pdf
Abstract: Wind is the fastest growing renewable energy source for generating electricity, but economic research lags behind. In this study, therefore, we examine the economics of integrating large-scale wind energy into an existing electrical grid. Using a simple grid management model to investigate the impact of various levels of wind penetration on grid management costs, we show that costs of reducing CO2 emissions by relying more on wind power depend on the generation mix of the existing electricity grid and the degree of wind penetration, with costs ranging from $21 to well over $1000 per tonne of CO2 reduced. Costs are lowest if wind displaces large amounts of fossil fuel production and there is some hydroelectric power to act as a buffer. Hydro capacity has the ability to store wind generated power for use at more opportune times. If wind does nothing more than replace hydro or nuclear power then the environmental benefits (reduced CO2 emissions) of investing in wind power are small.
by G. Cornelis van Kooten
University of Victoria Department of Economics REPA Resource
Economics & Policy Analysis Research Group http://web.uvic.ca
PO Box 1700 STN CSC Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 Canada; Ph: 250.472.4415
Fax: 250.721.6214
via REPEC Research Papers in Economics www.REPEC.org
Working Paper 2009-04; June, 2009
No feedback yet
Leave a comment
| « Assessing opportunity costs of conservation: Ingredients for protected area | Bottom Line Green: New Book Provides Practical Steps for Cities to Save Money » |
