Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
ERCOT and PSCO territories and in many other states. Unless other states
have sufficient natural gas “cushions”—Texas has the largest share of its gen-
erating capacity fueled by natural gas—imposition of an RPS greater than
5% will probably increase emissions of CO
2
, NO
X
, and SO
2
.
The results of this study should not be interpreted as a critique of wind
energy. Rather, they suggest modifications to its development to ensure that
the benefits are more fully realized. Current RPS standards mandate that
wind is a must-take resource and other generation facilities must be cycled
to accommodate it. If utilities have sufficient variable generation facilities
online to avoid cycling their coal units, these RPS provisions work well.
However, where these conditions are lacking, alternative approaches are
required to avoid cycling coal plants. The alternatives might include con-
struction of additional variable generation sources such as natural gas and
stored energy systems, the imposition of additional emission controls on coal
units to make them more flexible, or changing dispatch orders. Whatever the
approach, care must be taken that imposition of the RPS does not exacerbate
ozone and other air quality issues.
References
1. Bentek Energy. April 16, 2020. How less became more: wind power and
unintended consequences in the Colorado energy market. Evergreen, CO.
2. Zavadil, R. May 2006. Wind Integration Study for Xcel Energy/Public Service
Company of Colorado. Prepared by EnerNex Corporation, p. 47. http://
www.nrel.gov/wind/systemsintegration/pdfs/colorado_public_service_
windintegstudy.pdf
3. Zavadil, R. December 2008. Wind Integration Study for Xcel Energy/Public
Service Company of Colorado. Addendum: Detailed Analysis of 20% Wind
Penetration. Prepared by EnerNex Corporation. Appendix B.
4. Antoine, M., T. Matsko, and P. Immonen. 2000. Modeling Predictive Control
and Optimization Improves Plant Efficiency and Lowers Emissions. ABB Power
Systems; Telesz, R. November 2000. Retrofitting Lime Spray Dryers at Public
Service Company of Colorado. Babcock & Wilcox; both presented at PowerGen
International, November 14-16, 2000.
5. Vierstra, S., and D. Early. 1998. Balancing Low NO
2
Burner Air Flows through Use
of Individual Burner Airflow Monitors. AMC Power; presented at PowerGen
International, December 9-11, 1998.
6. PSCO. (2008, 2010). Wind Generation in PSCo Commercial Operations. Retrieved
from XcelEnergy.com: http://www.xcelenergy.com/sitecollectiondocuments/
docs/CRPExhibit2PSCOIntegratedReliabilityTraining.pdf
