Leverage Your Renewable Energy Impact Through Emerging Avoided Emissions PPA Strategies
Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, Trio, WattTime
Description or Abstract
Renewable energy procurement is a critical strategy for reducing an institution's greenhouse gas emissions. However, not all renewable energy projects avoid the same amount of GHG emissions per kWh. The 20+ electrical grids and subregions of the US vary widely in their carbon intensity, from over 1,700 lbs CO2e/MWh in the mid-west to ~650 lbs CO2e/MWh in New England and CA. Choosing a project in a more carbon intensive grid rather than your potentially less intense local grid can therefore dramatically increase the actual GHG emissions avoided by your renewable energy choice. This workshop brings together the researchers developing these techniques with the practitioners employing them. We will provide a case study of how Boston University successfully worked with both private and academic partners to choose the renewable energy project that was best for both the University and the planet. This workshop will:
- Provide a process for campuses to identify renewable energy project selection criteria
- Share analytical tools to align GHG reduction efforts with energy and financial needs
- Review carbon emission accounting practices including traditional and marginal emission approaches using data synthesized by researchers at Carnegie Mellon Univ.,
- Examine renewable energy project electricity production profiles to understand how to predict a project's future electricity production.