Identifying and maximizing the economic benefits of energy for the state

Working Papers

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Working Paper 05| Measuring the Economic Impacts of Wind Projects in Wyoming

Abstract: This report details a comprehensive economic impact study for wind energy projects in the State of Wyoming, as conducted by the Center for Business and Economic Analysis (CBEA) at the University of Wyoming (UWyo), and as supported by UWyo’s School of Energy Resources. To better comprehend the aggregate economic impacts of current and future scenarios of project deployment in the state, the CBEA research team conducted an economic impact analysis around three distinct deployment scenarios: a “low” scenario (2 gigawatts (GW)), a “moderate” scenario (4 GW), and an “aggressive” scenario (6 GW). These scenarios reflect deployment beyond what is currently installed. Our team also conducted a brief fiscal analysis, as well as a review of the permitting process for wind projects in the state, and compared that process across other states. (September 2022) Download Working Paper

Contact the Main Author: Christelle Khalaf

Working Paper 04| An Electricity Regulation Primer - The History of Electricity Regulation in the United States

Abstract: Understanding the regulatory backdrop of the electricity sector in the U.S., and how it has shifted from one that institutionalized the natural monopoly characteristics of a fully integrated utility to one that facilitates competition through open access transmission and generation dispatch markets, offers an integral perspective through which states may navigate the impending shift in generation, regardless of the regulatory scheme that operates where they sit. This paper provides the history of electricity regulation in the U.S. Future work will explore and recommend ways to value, prioritize, and define resiliency in electricity systems in order to facilitate the forthcoming transition that is likely to encompass varied forms of electricity generation and numerous regulatory schemes. (December 2021) Download Working Paper

Contact the Main Author: Jada Garofalo

Working Paper 03 | Evaluation of Net Zero Scenarios for the Wyoming Power System

Abstract: This study presents a scenario-based techno-policy analysis of a range of pathways for Wyoming to transition to net zero. We first review the rapidly evolving policy landscape in the US, particularly in the context of policies specifically aimed at the deployment of CO₂ capture and storage (CCS) technologies applied to coal-, gas-, and biomass-fired power generation. Absent some targeted evolution of the policy landscape, the carbon intensity of Wyoming’s electricity system is not anticipated to substantially reduce in the period to 2050. Beyond that, the adoption of a specific net zero emissions target for Wyoming, without further consideration of technology-specific policies, may increase costs by approximately 25% relative to a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. The overarching conclusion of this work is that modest modifications of existing investment and production tax credits, in line with what is already being discussed, can deliver net zero emissions for Wyoming at a more than 20% cost reduction relative to a BAU scenario, and almost 50% less costly than an untargeted approach. (December 2021) Download Working Paper

Contact the Main Author: Niall Mac Dowell