integrating these resources into the grid present significant technical and operational challenges. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) interconnection queue (see Figure 4 ) currently lists more than 7 gigawatts (GW) of planned wind capacity, including the flagship offshore projects Empire Wind 1 and Empire Wind 2. These two projects alone represent approximately four times the generating capacity of the now-closed Indian Point nuclear power plant, which for decades was a cornerstone of NYC’s power supply. Integrating such a substantial volume of variable renewable energy introduces inherent intermittency and reliability concerns. The challenge of ‘dunkelflaute’, a German term describing extended periods of low wind and solar output, looms large. Germany’s experience shows that without adequate energy storage or backup solutions, even aggressive renewable deployments can lead to power shortages or increased reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants during these renewable ‘lulls’. NYC cannot afford to repeat this cycle if it hopes to meet its climate goals without compromising grid stability. P2G will play a vital role. By converting surplus renewable electricity, particularly during off-peak or low-demand periods, into RNG, P2G provides a form of long-duration energy storage that existing battery technologies cannot match economically or in scale. To put the relative energy balance into perspective, the 5GW of wind in the NYS interconnection queue is able to provide almost 2GW of baseload 24/7 power when coupled with P2G. The produced RNG can be stored in the existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure, essentially transforming the gas grid into a massive, distributed energy storage reservoir capable of holding energy for weeks or months. This stored renewable fuel can then be used during peak demand or low renewable generation periods, effectively smoothing the intermittency challenge. This integrated approach leverages existing energy infrastructure, avoiding the significant costs and social impacts of new long-distance transmission lines or large-scale grid upgrades. Overcoming electrification bottlenecks In the ambitious drive to decarbonise cities like NYC, electrification has become a central
3 , 000
OSW W
2 , 500
2 , 000
1 , 500
1 , 000
500
2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2033 0
Figure 4 NYSIO wind interconnection queue
cut its carbon footprint in compliance with LL97. A commercial catering company and two industrial supply warehouses are also set to receive StandardRNG. All these projects are progressing towards completion by the end of 2026, positioning them to meet the stringent carbon reduction timelines mandated by LL97. “ By converting surplus renewable electricity, particularly during off- peak or low-demand periods, into RNG, power-to-gas provides a form of long-duration energy storage that existing battery technologies cannot match economically or in scale ” Water is a critical input to the system to produce hydrogen, and while this resource is currently affordable in NYC, if water scarcity were to drive more expensive water pricing, this would start to impact the unit economics. The common thread in these deployments is the Carbon Bridge’s ability to integrate with existing urban infrastructure, leveraging available combustion exhaust and local renewable electricity, to provide an economically viable, minimally disruptive, and effective compliance strategy. Wind power expansion enabling P2G deployment NYC’s ambitious renewable energy goals are supported by a burgeoning influx of wind power projects; however, the scale and complexity of
www.decarbonisationtechnology.com
62
Powered by FlippingBook