Analysis of Marginal Carbon Intensities in Constrained Power Networks

Jurisdictions across the globe are implementing CO₂ emissions reduction policies. These policies typically ignore most locational issues, probably because the consequences of greenhouse gas emissions do not depend on the exact emission location. However, the response to emission policies and the costs and effectiveness of emissions reduction in power systems are locational in nature. This paper analyzes marginal CO₂ emissions in constrained power networks. Numerical results illustrate the high locational dependence of marginal carbon intensities, and support the need for a more detailed consideration of locational effects in emission reduction policies.