Prof. Michael Craig of U-M SEAS will give a lecture as part of the CLASP Seminar Series. Please join us!

Title: Decarbonizing Electric Power Systems under Economic, Regulatory, and System Constraints

Abstract: Aggressively limiting global temperature increases will require massive greenhouse gas emission reductions from the electric power system. Many low-carbon electric generation technologies exist that we can use, but the value of these technologies depends on economics, policies, local environments, and the larger systems in which they are embedded. In this seminar, I will explore how these factors can affect the value of three technologies: carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), run-of-river hydropower, and grid-scale electricity storage. CCS includes three distinct processes - capturing, transporting, and sequestering CO2 - that are highly constrained by spatially-variable laws and regulations, which I will discuss. I will then present work on optimizing the operations of a series of run-of-river hydropower facilities in California to maximize their revenues while limiting downstream flow impacts, enabling profitable deployment while mitigating local environmental impacts. Finally, while grid-scale electricity storage is seen as a key enabling technology for high-renewable futures, studies indicate it can increase CO2 emissions in the near-term. To conclude the seminar, I will quantify near- and long-term CO2 emission (dis)benefits of grid-scale storage under varying power system conditions.