ONLINE: Sustainable Energy Seminar Series
media release: Wisconsin Energy Institute talk: "Local and regional Effects of Climate Policies Targeting Fossil Fuel Infrastructure."
In this Sustainable Energy Seminar, Morgan Edwards, assistant professor of public affairs, will discuss the relationship between global climate targets and addressing coal and natural gas infrastructure at the local and regional level.
Abstract: A rapid transition away from unabated fossil fuel use in the energy system is essential to limiting the rise in global average temperature to 1.5 or 2C above pre-industrial levels. Equitably managing this transition presents many challenges. Here I discuss results from two recent projects on coal and natural gas infrastructure. First, I combine unit-level coal data with a global integrated assessment model to quantify the impacts of plant proposals, cancellations, and retirements over the past five years. Building all proposed coal plants in the pipeline leads to a large increase in stranded assets under 1.5C, with risks falling disproportionately on emerging Asian economies with newer and growing coal fleets. Second, I use publicly reported gas utility data, empirical measurements, and stakeholder interviews to evaluate the effectiveness of local policies to repair natural gas leaks. Unsuccessful repairs are relatively common, yet they are repeatedly neglected in policy. As a result, policies may overestimate the effectiveness of leak repairs in meeting near-term climate targets. I conclude by discussing approaches to monitoring and managing legacy infrastructure during energy transitions.
You can register for all upcoming webinars in this series at the same time (or pick and choose which ones to register for) using this registration link:
https://uwmadison.zoom.us/
Upcoming seminar details can be found here: https://energy.wisc.edu/
Archives of past seminars can be found here: https://energy.wisc.edu/
Sustainable Energy Seminar Series
3:30-4:30 p.m., Wisconsin Energy Institute, Room 1115 (when in-person lectures resume)
The Wisconsin Energy Institute is helping facilitate a series of seminars focused on University of Wisconsin–Madison expertise in sustainable energy. The series will allow students and the public to explore sustainable energy solutions from the small to large, learn about the challenges facing sustainable energy and interact with experts from across campus. If you would like to receive email notifications for upcoming seminars, send an email to join-energy-seminar@lists.wisc.edu.