To access this work you must either be on the Smith College campus OR have valid Smith login credentials.

On Campus users: To access this work if you are on campus please Select the Download button.

Off Campus users: To access this work from off campus, please select the Off-Campus button and enter your Smith username and password when prompted.

Non-Smith users: You may request this item through Interlibrary Loan at your own library.

Publication Date

2022-05-09

First Advisor

Judith B. Cardell

Second Advisor

Alexander R. Barron

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Engineering

Keywords

power sector modeling, renewable energy, climate change, emissions mitigation, climate and energy policy

Abstract

To reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the United States will need to simultaneously expand and decarbonize its electricity supply. Stronger clean energy policies will be necessary for the transition to happen quickly enough. Because direct experimentation with the electric grid is generally not possible, policymakers rely on computer modeling for information about how to design decarbonization policies. This thesis examines the role of electricity sector modeling in climate policy design through a case study of Massachusetts. The analysis compares modeling results with recent local energy projects in order to examine the strengths and weaknesses of power sector modeling as a tool to inform policymaking, and it develops a framework of the ways in which social factors could be included in power system models in the future. The results show that modeling is useful for identifying technically feasible options and for comparing them based on quantifiable indicators, usually with an emphasis on cost. Models are generally incapable of solving for socially optimal solutions and estimating the achievable pace of decarbonization, because they omit a number of social factors that affect how decarbonization will proceed. There is some potential for human behavior and social institutions to be more accurately included within models, but many of these factors cannot be incorporated into power sector models effectively. As a result, they must be accounted for exogenously, through scenario design, stakeholder engagement, and iteration with other types of social science analysis. Fully addressing all the constraints on clean energy expansion—technical, economic, social, and political—is essential, because otherwise we will fail to enact ambitious enough energy policies and will fall behind on greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Rights

©2022 Lucy E. Metz. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Download

Smith Only:
Off Campus Download

Share

COinS