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Biomass resources for energy in Ohio: The OH-MARKAL modeling framework

Shakya, Bibhakar S
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1180118764

Abstract Details

2007, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics.
In response to growing concerns on global warming and efforts to create a sustainable energy future, biomass energy may become a viable source of clean and renewable energy resource. Biomass resources are carbon neutral and hence play a pivotal role in reducing emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). The use of biomass resources for energy production is even more relevant in Ohio, as its power industry is heavily based on coal, making it one of the top polluting states in the nation. This dissertation evaluates the prospects of biomass cofiring in Ohio to generate commercial electricity. Specifically, the study develops a dynamic linear programming model (OH-MARKAL) to analyze key economic, environmental, and policy issues related to energy needs for Ohio’s future. The OH-MARKAL is a comprehensive power sector model which is based on the MARKAL (MARKet ALlocation) framework. This study addresses two key issues for Ohio: first, the importance of diversifying fuel resource base for the power industry; and second, the need to increase the use of biomass or renewable resources in Ohio. The model can serve as an effective tool for Ohio's energy planning, since it evaluates economic and environmental consequences of any policy changes. The results of this study indicate that policy interventions are necessary to make biomass co-firing competitive with coal and about 7 percent of renewable electricity can be generated by using biomass in Ohio. The study suggests that an optimal level of renewable portfolio standard (RPS) can be mandated to increase the renewable electricity generation in Ohio. To achieve a higher RPS than 7 percent level, Ohio needs to include other renewable sources into its electricity generation portfolio. The results also indicate that the marginal price of electricity must increase by four fold to mitigate CO2 emissions 15 percent below the 2002 level. Hence, Ohio will need to consider and invest on clean coal technologies and examine the option of carbon sequestration, in addition to renewable energy options. It would seem prudent for Ohio to become proactive in reducing CO2 emissions before any federal mandates; otherwise the consequences could be detrimental to the state’s economy.
Fredrick Hitzhusen (Advisor)
192 p.
Economics, Agricultural
Biomass energy; renewable energy policy; climate change; global warming; environmental policy

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Shakya, B. S. (2007). Biomass resources for energy in Ohio: The OH-MARKAL modeling framework [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1180118764

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Shakya, Bibhakar. Biomass resources for energy in Ohio: The OH-MARKAL modeling framework. 2007. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1180118764.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Shakya, Bibhakar. "Biomass resources for energy in Ohio: The OH-MARKAL modeling framework." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1180118764

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1180118764
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© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.