Studies & Reports
Resource Adequacy and the Energy Transition in the Pacific Northwest
A broad coalition of utilities and independent power producers in the Pacific Northwest recently commissioned Energy+Environmental Economics (E3) to examine changes in the region’s resource mix over the past seven years, evaluate near-term needs for capacity, develop least-cost resource portfolios for meeting regional reliability and greenhouse gas emissions goals, and identify potential barriers that may prevent the region from meeting its goals in the future.
A broad coalition of utilities and independent power producers in the Pacific Northwest recently commissioned Energy+Environmental Economics (E3) to examine changes in the region’s resource mix over the past seven years, evaluate near-term needs for capacity, develop least-cost resource portfolios for meeting regional reliability and greenhouse gas emissions goals, and identify potential barriers that may prevent the region from meeting its goals in the future.
Resource Adequacy in the Pacific Northwest
The ability to maintain Resource Adequacy under certain scenarios was identified as a concern during the 2017–2018 E3 studies. Scenarios that limit the building of new natural gas or decarbonization beyond 80% below 1990 levels were identified as needing a different model to evaluate the adequacy of the system…
The ability to maintain Resource Adequacy under certain scenarios was identified as a concern during the 2017–2018 E3 studies. Scenarios that limit the building of new natural gas or decarbonization beyond 80% below 1990 levels were identified as needing a different model to evaluate the adequacy of the system. As a result, the Public Generating Pool, in collaboration with Puget Sound Energy, Avista, and Northwestern, sponsored a study that examines the adequacy of the power system in 2018, 2030, and 2050 under different decarbonization levels.
Pacific Northwest Low Carbon Scenarios
The Public Generating Pool, in collaboration with Energy Northwest, sponsored a study that investigates an approach to simultaneously achieve environmental and economic goals in the electric sector…
The Public Generating Pool, in collaboration with Energy Northwest, sponsored a study that investigates an approach to simultaneously achieve environmental and economic goals in the electric sector. If the Western states are to evolve policies further to achieve carbon emissions goals, PGP believes it is important for efforts to be informed by an understanding of which alternatives are least-cost and most effective in achieving substantial reductions from 1990 levels. PGP believes that this study employs a useful planning methodology for informing public policy decisions aimed at reducing carbon emissions. A least-cost planning methodology is technology-neutral, can be expanded to other sectors, and can be adapted to changing conditions over time.