Carbon emissions impacts of operational network constraints: The case of Spain during the Covid-19 crisis

Abstract

Operating a highly decarbonized power system is technically complex and introduces novel challenges for system operators. To this effect, the hourly day-ahead market schedule must be compliant with all the network security criteria. If required, specific generators should be curtailed or started up after the market clearing via so-called redispatching actions. In this paper, we analyze the bias in emissions intensity of electricity generation that result from not internalizing grid operational limitations in the day-ahead market clearing. In other words, we investigate the incremental emissions resulting from actions by system operators to make the day-ahead market schedule physically feasible. (...)