The Smart Grid: An Estimation of the Energy and CO2 Benefits

Technical Report · Wed Jan 27 04:00:00 EST 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/971445· OSTI ID:971445

Pratt, Robert G; Balducci, Patrick J; Gerkensmeyer, Clint; Katipamula, Srinivas; Kintner-Meyer, Michael CW; Sanquist, Thomas F; Schneider, Kevin P; Secrest, Thomas J

This report articulates nine mechanisms by which the smart grid can reduce energy use and carbon impacts associated with electricity generation and delivery. The quantitative estimates of potential reductions in electricity sector energy and associated CO2 emissions presented are based on a survey of published results and simple analyses. This report does not attempt to justify the cost effectiveness of the smart grid, which to date has been based primarily upon the twin pillars of cost-effective operation and improved reliability. Rather, it attempts to quantify the additional energy and CO2 emission benefits inherent in the smart grid’s potential contribution to the nation’s goal of mitigating climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of the electric power system.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 971445
• Report Number(s): PNNL-19112 Rev 1; TD5009010
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English