Importance of GHG emissions assessment in the electricity grid expansion towards a low-carbon future: A time-varying carbon intensity approach

Electricity demand is likely to continue to increase due to industrialization and population growth in the developing world. To meet this extra demand, new generation capacity is indispensable, of which there are two main objectives. First, to ensure that the maximum possible amount of generation is from renewable sources. Second, to identify ways of optimizing fossil fuel generation, so that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be minimised. For developing countries, in particular, it is important to ensure a trade-off between the expansion of electricity generation for desperately-needed social and economic benefits, and the impact of the associated GHG emissions on the global climate. Why is it crucial to explore GHG emissions in relation to planned electricity network expansion? This has been investigated in the present analysis through a time-varying carbon intensity approach in the case of Bangladesh. This is the first study that applies the time-varying carbon intensity approach to assess GHG emissions of an electricity system that is dominated by fossil fuel generation. Primarily, three factors can be assessed from time-varying carbon intensity analysis towards future grid expansion plans aimed at reducing GHG emissions: (a) appropriateness of demand-side management application; (b) renewable integration opportunities; and (c) impact of power plant efficiencies. In addition, this analysis also helps to propose a time-varying carbon pricing scheme. This type of assessment could assist policymakers to make more informed decisions about GHG emission reduction and demand-side management-related policymaking to mitigate climate change and help conserve the environment from further pollution. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.