Efficient pathways to reduce carbon emissions in the electric sector

The study develops a 2-dimensional map of the feasible design space for an electric generation system. Cost and CO2 emissions contours are plotted across the map. The principles of constrained optimization are used to identify the efficient pathways eliminating emissions and the technology drivers that determine them. The CO2 intensity of the baseload is shown to be the primary driver. Further, the need for large, seasonal storage depends strongly on the level of baseload deployed. © 2019 Elsevier Inc.