Using Demand Response to Improve the Emission Benefits of Wind

Although wind generation is emissions- and cost-free, real-time output can be highly variable and uncertain. This can require additional conventional generating capacity to be committed. Since the efficiency of emissions controls can depend on generator loading, this additional capacity can increase generator emissions rates. Another method of accommodating wind is using demand response, which has system loads that more closely follow supply. Using a case study based on the Texas power system, we examine the emissions and cost impacts of using these two strategies to accommodate wind. While we find that wind decreases loading and increases emissions rates of generators, it has a positive net emissions benefit overall. We also find that while demand response reduces some of the emissions benefits of wind, combining wind and demand response provides more cost-effective emissions abatement than wind alone.