This paper presents innovative modeling of complex interactions among gas-fired generators, coal-fired power plants, and renewables (wind and solar) when pushed hard to reduce CO 2 emissions. A hypothetical CO 2 technology performance standard, giving rise to a shadow price on CO 2 emissions, was specified as part of the study design. In this work we see gas generation rapidly replacing coal generation. To understand the fate of coal-based generation, it is important to examine trends at a granular level. An important feature of our model, the Electricity Supply and Investment Model (ESIM) is that it contains a unit inventory with unit characteristics and a memory of how each unit is operated over time. Cycling damages that individual coal units incur are a function of cumulative wear and tear over time. The expected remaining life of a cycled coal unit will depend on the severity of the cycling and for how many years. Deteriorating
In this paper we use the Electricity Supply and Investment Model (ESIM) power system model to examine the energy market effects of incentivized adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS), with a primary focus on retrofi tting existing pulverized coal plants. In the presence of a 'medium' carbon charge and least-cost dispatch, units with CCS are operated with higher utilization rates than fossil energy plants without carbon capture, hence lowering CO 2 emissions. This path helps to lower the capital outlays that will be necessary to make a transition to a full portfolio of advanced low-carbon technologies. Required research, development and demonstration can be fi nanced by a portion of the carbon charge revenue.
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