Carbon dioxide emissions effects of electrolytic hydrogen for large scale flexible energy storage within electric power systems. – UROP Summer 2020 Symposium

Carbon dioxide emissions effects of electrolytic hydrogen for large scale flexible energy storage within electric power systems.

Adam Levey

Adam Levey

Pronouns: He/Him/His

UROP Fellowship: University of Michigan Energy Institute

Research Mentor(s): Michael Craig, PhD
School of Environment and Sustainability

Presentation Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020 | Session 1 | Presenter Order: 4

Authors: Adam Levey

Abstract

Energy storage will play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the eclectic power sector which is a critical step in the mitigation of global warming and will help reduce the extent of global temperature rise. In an attempt to analyze operational CO2 emissions reductions due to energy storage, we model the effects of renewable hydrogen production by water electrolysis in tandem with traditional Lithium-ion storage as a means of short term energy storage and seasonal load shifting within the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) system. To better understand the effects of short- and long-term storage, we modeled both strong and moderate emissions reductions goals with and without storage technologies through 2050. By using a capacity expansion model to forecast generator fleet changes and an economic dispatch model to quantify operational CO2 emissions, we show that short- and long-term energy storage can decrease operational CO2 emissions over time. We also show how flexible storage capabilities allow for higher penetration of renewables, further decreasing emissions by reducing curtailment. These effects accrue as the capabilities of storage allow for fossil fuel-based generators to become decommissioned while still meeting electricity demand from increased renewable generation.

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Research Disciplines

Environmental Studies, Engineering

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