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Impact of land requirements on electricity system decarbonisation pathways

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  • Palmer-Wilson, Kevin
  • Donald, James
  • Robertson, Bryson
  • Lyseng, Benjamin
  • Keller, Victor
  • Fowler, McKenzie
  • Wade, Cameron
  • Scholtysik, Sven
  • Wild, Peter
  • Rowe, Andrew

Abstract

Wind and solar power are predicted to dominate CO2 emission reductions in future electricity systems. Unlike spatially compact fossil fuels, harnessing renewable energy flows increases the land area impact of electricity production. This study quantifies the trade-offs between land area impacts, technology alternatives of decarbonisation pathways, and costs associated with reducing carbon emissions from electricity generation by ~ 90%.

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  • Palmer-Wilson, Kevin & Donald, James & Robertson, Bryson & Lyseng, Benjamin & Keller, Victor & Fowler, McKenzie & Wade, Cameron & Scholtysik, Sven & Wild, Peter & Rowe, Andrew, 2019. "Impact of land requirements on electricity system decarbonisation pathways," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 193-205.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:129:y:2019:i:c:p:193-205
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.01.071
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