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Incisive commentary from RAP experts
RAP experts keep their finger on the pulse of the energy sector and provide timely analysis of topics impacting stakeholders TODAY.
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September 18, 2019
Clean, Flexible and Efficient: A Recipe for Energy Optimization
- John Shenot
The United States is the second-highest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet — but we are also a leader in technological and economic strength. We have the capability to lead the world in finding solutions to the urgent challenge… View Summary +
August 29, 2019
Electric Cars Are a Lot Like Water Heaters
- Jim Lazar
People unfamiliar with electric cars often fear that a blossoming of EV ownership will bring chaos to the electric grid. For example, I recently spoke with the manager of a beach resort who was fearful of adding an EV charger,… View Summary +
August 5, 2019
A Trans-Atlantic Take on Building Efficiency: Lessons from Germany and New England
Despite being an ocean apart, Germany and New England are similar in many respects. More than 75% of energy used for residential heat in both places relies on natural gas or heating oil. And both have adopted ambitious energy and… View Summary +
June 19, 2019
Regulatory Reform is a Game of Hopscotch, Not a Flying Leap
- Jessica Shipley
The changes underway in the electricity industry are well documented: Demand is flat or declining; renewable energy and storage technology costs are plummeting; utilities and third parties are offering customers new technologies and services; and the need to cut emissions… View Summary +
June 3, 2019
Drei Strategien zur Integration von E-Fahrzeugen
Elektrofahrzeuge bieten erhebliche wirtschaftliche und ökologische Vorteile, damit sind sie ein wesentlicher Bestandteil einer sauberen Mobilität und der Verkehrswende. Ob diese Vorteile tatsächlich realisiert werden, hängt jedoch davon ab, wie optimal E-Autos in unsere Stromnetze eingebunden werden. Gelingt die Netzintegration,… View Summary +
March 18, 2019
印度启动电力批发市场改革
- Dheer Patel
在过去的几十年里,印度政府一直在电力行业实施广泛的改革,目标是为所有公民提供可靠,负担得起和清洁的电力。在过去几个月中,印度中央电力监管委员会(CERC)通过一系列讨论文件阐述电力批发市场改革的提案。如果电力改革得以实施,可以通过优化现有供应侧资源(即发电和输电)的使用来帮助提高电力系统的整体效率,电力市场改革也是实现经济有效地将快速增长的可再生能源份额纳入电网的重要步骤。 印度目前的电力市场设计导致廉价资源的严重利用不足和昂贵资源的过度使用,无意中造成了“压力资产”。还产生了大量的可再生能源弃电。目前状况下,配电公司通过长期合同获得大约87%的电量,并通过短期双边交易和电力交易来获得余下的电量。此外,大多数的配电公司与发电商签订双边合同,自行安排发电计划。 在这个过程中,与一家配电公司签约的成本相对较低的发电机组可能没有运行。与此同时,如果需要额外电力,另一家配电公司无法得知这台成本较低的发电机组是否可用,有可能最终将使用与其签订合同的成本相对较高的发电机组。因此,第二家配电公司不必要地支付了更高的电力成本。在印度降低电力成本的主要障碍是无法评估该国所有可用发电机组及其边际成本。… View Summary +
March 14, 2019
Renovating Energy Policy to Encourage Beneficial Electrification
- Jessica Shipley ,
- Donna Brutkoski
RAP’s recent papers on the beneficial electrification of space heating and water heating draw a picture of great potential. Electrification of these fossil-fueled end uses could cut carbon emissions significantly while saving consumers money and providing power system operators with… View Summary +
February 21, 2019
Electronic Certificate Tracking Systems Offer Advantages for China’s Renewable Energy Quota
- Rachael Terada ,
- Ryan Wiser ,
- Lijun Yue
A key policy driver to support renewable energy development is a renewable energy quota. China is considering a new renewable energy quota system for its electricity sector that will support its aggressive clean energy goals. On November 15, 2018,… View Summary +
February 15, 2019
India Kick-Starts Wholesale Market Reforms
- Dheer Patel
Over the last couple of decades, Indian policymakers have been implementing a wide range of reforms in the electricity sector with the goal of providing reliable, affordable, and clean power to all citizens. During the last few months, the… View Summary +
December 20, 2018
A perfect match: Using carbon revenues to finance energy efficiency
- Catharina Wiese ,
- Richard Cowart
Europe is racing to meet ambitious 2030 and 2050 climate goals but is still stumbling over one of the foundation stones of a cost-effective clean energy transition—investments in end-use energy efficiency. While this month’s “yellow vest” protests in France are… View Summary +