The Role of Electric Grid Research in Addressing Climate Change

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of electric grid research in combating climate change by addressing technological, institutional, and regulatory challenges to enable large-scale decarbonization of the energy system.

Contribution

It identifies key research challenges and opportunities in electric power systems and discusses institutional and market mechanisms for large-scale climate solutions.

Findings

Highlights the role of modeling and control in integrating technological innovations

Emphasizes the need for aligned incentives and regulatory frameworks

Outlines research priorities for accelerating decarbonization

Abstract

Addressing the urgency of climate change necessitates a coordinated and inclusive effort from all relevant stakeholders. Critical to this effort is the modeling, analysis, control, and integration of technological innovations within the electric energy system, which plays a crucial role in scaling up climate change solutions. This perspective article presents a set of research challenges and opportunities in the area of electric power systems that would be crucial in accelerating Gigaton-level decarbonization. Furthermore, it highlights institutional challenges associated with developing market mechanisms and regulatory architectures, ensuring that incentives are aligned for stakeholders to effectively implement the technological solutions on a large scale.