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Short-run marginal emission factors neglect impactful phenomena and are unsuitable for assessing the power sector emissions impacts of hydrogen electrolysis

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  • Ricks, Wilson
  • Gagnon, Pieter
  • Jenkins, Jesse D.

Abstract

This comment reacts to Ruhnau and Schiele’s (2023) assessment of the cost and emissions impacts of electrolytic hydrogen production operating under different green hydrogen certification requirements in the EU. We critique the paper’s use of short-run marginal emissions rates to estimate emissions impacts, a methodology which the literature has shown to be inadequate for assessing the full lifecycle emissions impacts of electricity sector interventions. We hope that our response clarifies the need to consider induced structural change when assessing the greenhouse gas emissions impacts of electricity sector decisions at all scales.

Suggested Citation

  • Ricks, Wilson & Gagnon, Pieter & Jenkins, Jesse D., 2024. "Short-run marginal emission factors neglect impactful phenomena and are unsuitable for assessing the power sector emissions impacts of hydrogen electrolysis," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:189:y:2024:i:c:s0301421524001393
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2024.114119
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hawkes, A.D., 2014. "Long-run marginal CO2 emissions factors in national electricity systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 197-205.
    2. Ruhnau, Oliver & Schiele, Johanna, 2023. "Flexible green hydrogen: The effect of relaxing simultaneity requirements on project design, economics, and power sector emissions," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    3. Stephen P. Holland & Erin T. Mansur & Andrew J. Yates, 2022. "Decarbonization and Electrification in the Long Run," NBER Working Papers 30082, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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