Each week, we review the papers, studies, reports, and briefings posted at the “indispensable” RFF Library Blog, curated by RFF Librarian Chris Clotworthy.
Power Plants Are Not Built on Spec: 2014 Update
[Fierce Energy] Just 2.4 percent, at the most, of generation capacity constructed in 2013 was developed solely for sale into organized electricity markets, according to a report released by the American Public Power Association (APPA). In 2013, almost all new generation capacity was supported by long-term power purchase agreements or ownership, and only 6 percent of all capacity constructed that year was built within the footprints of one of the regional transmission organizations (RTO) with mandatory capacity markets, the report, “Power Plants Are Not Built on Spec: 2014 Update,” says. – via American Public Power Association
Potential Impacts of the EPA Clean Power Plan
[The Hill] A study commissioned by the coal industry and other business groups found that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) carbon rule for power plants could cost at least $366 billion. The analysis, written by Nera Economic Consulting, said that people in 43 states would see double-digit percentage increases in their electricity bills, with at least 20 percent increases in 14 states. Meanwhile, the carbon dioxide reductions would only limit global warming by 0.02 degrees and sea level rises by 0.01 inch, researchers said… – via NERA Economic Consulting
The Impact of the Crisis in Ukraine on the European Gas Market
Key Conclusions: Absent very drastic policy interventions, not much change should be expected in the European gas supply mix, which will include a significant share of Russian natural gas in all scenarios under study. In the short to medium term, the lack of market development and integration in Central and Eastern Europe continues to be problematic, as demonstrated in our scenario in which Ukraine no longer functions as a transit state for European natural gas... – via Brookings Institution
Strengthening the EPA’s Clean Power Plan
[Press Release] In June 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed in its Clean Power Plan the first-ever limits on carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by existing power plants. These plants are responsible for nearly 40 percent of total U.S. CO2 emissions, constituting the nation’s largest source of this heat-trapping gas. – via Union of Concerned Scientists
[From an E&E News PM article by Jean Chemnick, sub. req'd] Energy efficiency investments will increase overall under U.S. EPA’s Clean Power Plan, offering utilities and ratepayers alike a host of economic and reliability benefits, a new report says. ICF International used modeling to estimate that EPA’s draft rule could encourage utilities nationwide to spend as much as three times what they currently do on demand-side efficiency programs… – via ICF International
