Towards carbonfree electricity: A flowbased framework for power grid carbon accounting and decarbonization

AbstractThis study introduces a comprehensive framework aimed at advancing research and policy development in the realm of decarbonization within electric power systems. The framework focuses on three key aspectscarbon accounting, carbonaware decision making, and carbonelectricity market designand proposes solutions to existing problems. In contrast to traditional poolbased emission models, this framework proposes a novel flowbased emission model that incorporates the underlying physical power grid and power flows. Thus, the framework allows accurate carbon accounting at both the temporal and spatial scales, thereby facilitating informed decisionmaking to achieve grid decarbonization goals. The framework is built on a flowbased carbon accounting methodology and utilizes the carbonaware optimal power flow technique as a theoretical foundation for decarbonization decisionmaking. Additionally, this study explores the potential design of carbonelectricity markets and pricing mechanisms to incentivize decentralized decarbonization actions. Critical issues of data availability, infrastructure development, fairness and equity considerations are also discussed.

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