Load Management from an Environmental Perspective

Abstract

The key objective of this study is to discuss the possible environmental benefits of load management and evaluate their significance, primarily focusing on CO2 emissions reduction. The analysis is carried out on two levels: National – the Swedish electricity market, and local – one electric utility in southern Sweden. The results show the importance of considering the influence of site-specific or level-specific conditions on the environmental effects of load management. On the national level, load management measures can hardly provide significant environmental benefits in Sweden, due to the high hydropower production, which is the demand following production source. Emission reductions will rather be the result of energy efficiency measures, which will lower the load demand as well as the energy demand. However, when it comes to a local (utility) level, where load management is considered as an alternative to an installation of a peak diesel power plant, the benefits are clear.