Assessing CO₂ Mitigation Options Utilizing Detailed Electricity Characteristics and Including Renewable Generation

This paper presents a novel techno-economic optimization model for assessing the effectiveness of CO₂ mitigation options for the electricity generation sub-sector that includes renewable energy generation. The optimization problem was formulated as a MINLP model using the GAMS modeling system. The model seeks the minimization of the power generation costs under CO₂ emission constraints by dispatching power from low CO₂ emission-intensity units. The model considers the detailed operation of the electricity system to effectively assess the performance of GHG mitigation strategies and integrates load balancing, carbon capture and carbon taxes as methods for reducing CO₂ emissions. Two case studies are discussed to analyze the benefits and challenges of the CO₂ reduction methods in the electricity system. The proposed mitigations options would not only benefit the environment, but they will as well improve the marginal cost of producing energy which represents an advantage for stakeholders.