Optimizing Carbon-Free Energy Deployment in California: A Multi-Case Analysis
Key Ideas
- Multi-objective optimization in California identified wind turbines as a favorable energy source with rapid utilization of batteries and hydrogen for demand.
- Hydrogen sale price drop from 3.7 to 1.85 $/kg had minimal impact on system configuration, reducing overall system LCOE by 14.9%.
- Utilization of only RES with battery storage increased system LCOE by around 26.75% compared to hydrogen scenarios, favoring nuclear sources.
- Policy changes and regional variations play key roles in designing reliable energy systems to meet growing demands while reducing emissions.
The study focuses on optimizing carbon-free energy deployment in California using a multi-objective optimization approach. It considers potential geothermal, wind, solar, and hydrogen storage capabilities in the region. The research aims to reduce the system levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and emissions by analyzing different energy sources and storage options. Results indicate that a shift in hydrogen sale price from 3.7 to 1.85 $/kg had minimal impact on the system configuration, with a 14.9% decrease in overall system LCOE. Additionally, using only renewable energy sources coupled with battery storage increased the system LCOE significantly, highlighting the importance of nuclear sources for base load generation. The study emphasizes the significance of policy changes and regional factors in designing efficient and sustainable energy systems to meet the increasing energy demands while reducing emissions. Wind turbines were identified as the preferred energy source, complemented by the rapid utilization of energy storage solutions like batteries and hydrogen to meet energy demands effectively.
Topics
Power
Renewable Energy
Energy Storage
Optimization
Geothermal
Solar Energy
Emissions Reduction
Wind Power
Electricity Cost
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