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

Author(s)
Rached, Tarek
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Technology and Policy Program.
Advisor
Stephen R. Connors.
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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).
 
Date issued
2008
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/42933
Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division; Technology and Policy Program
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Technology and Policy Program.
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