Communicating complexity and informing decision-makers : challenges in the data and computation of environmental benefits of renewable energy

Title:	Communicating complexity and informing decision-makers : challenges in the data and computation of environmental benefits of renewable energy
Author:	Rached, Tarek
Other Contributors:	Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Technology and Policy Program.
Advisor:	Stephen R. Connors.
Department:	Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Technology and Policy Program.
Publisher:	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Issue Date:	2008
Abstract:	This thesis contrasts the quantification of avoided emission benefits of renewable generation as determined by a marginal emissions analysis and the methodology specified by the Massachusetts Greenhouse Gas Policy and Protocol. Both methodologies are applied to an offshore wind installation that is currently being proposed by the Town of Hull, Massachusetts. The key finding is that the Massachusetts Greenhouse Gas Policy undercounts the avoided emissions benefits of the proposed installation by a range of 30%-50%, depending on the emission. Finally, the policy implications of this finding is explored and expounded upon.
Description:	Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2008. This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections. Includes bibliographical references (p. 75-76).
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/42933
Keywords:	Technology and Policy Program.

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