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Incentives of carbon dioxide regulation for investment in low-carbon electricity technologies in Texas

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  • Castillo, Anya
  • Linn, Joshua

Abstract

This paper compares the incentives a carbon dioxide emissions price creates for investment in low carbon dioxide-emitting technologies in the electricity sector. We consider the extent to which operational differences across generation technologies - particularly, nuclear, wind and solar photovoltaic - create differences in the incentives for new investment, which is measured by the operating profits of a potential entrant. First, astylized model of an electricity system demonstrates that the composition of the existing generation system may cause electricity prices to increase by different amounts over time when a carbon dioxide price is imposed. Differences in operation across technologies therefore translate to differences in the operating profits of a potential entrant. Then, a detailed simulation model is used to consider a hypothetical carbon dioxide price of $10-$50 per metric ton for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market. The simulations show that, for the range of prices considered, the increase in electricity prices is positively correlated with output from a typical wind unit, but the correlation is much weaker for nuclear and photovoltaic. Consequently, a carbon dioxide price creates much stronger investment incentives for wind than for nuclear or photovoltaic technologies in the Texas market.

Suggested Citation

  • Castillo, Anya & Linn, Joshua, 2011. "Incentives of carbon dioxide regulation for investment in low-carbon electricity technologies in Texas," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(3), pages 1831-1844, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:39:y:2011:i:3:p:1831-1844
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Brett Watson & Ian Lange & Joshua Linn, 2023. "Coal demand, market forces, and U.S. coal mine closures," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 61(1), pages 35-57, January.
    2. Knizley, Alta A. & Mago, Pedro J. & Smith, Amanda D., 2014. "Evaluation of the performance of combined cooling, heating, and power systems with dual power generation units," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 654-665.
    3. Xiangsheng Dou, 2017. "Low Carbon Technology Innovation, Carbon Emissions Trading and Relevant Policy Support for China s Low Carbon Economy Development," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 7(2), pages 172-184.
    4. Fell, Harrison & Linn, Joshua, 2013. "Renewable electricity policies, heterogeneity, and cost effectiveness," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 66(3), pages 688-707.
    5. Motavasseli, Ali, 2016. "Essays in environmental policy and household economics," Other publications TiSEM b32e287e-169b-4e89-9878-1, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    6. Linn, Joshua & Shih, Jhih-Shyang, 2019. "Do lower electricity storage costs reduce greenhouse gas emissions?," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 130-158.
    7. Shin, Hansol & Kim, Tae Hyun & Kim, Hyoungtae & Lee, Sungwoo & Kim, Wook, 2019. "Environmental shutdown of coal-fired generators for greenhouse gas reduction: A case study of South Korea," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 252(C), pages 1-1.
    8. Aryanpur, Vahid & Shafiei, Ehsan, 2015. "Optimal deployment of renewable electricity technologies in Iran and implications for emissions reductions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 882-893.

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    Keywords

    Electricity Investment Carbon price;

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