Date of Graduation

12-2022

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Amalia Kokkinaki

Abstract

California is considered a global leader in environmental policy relating to climate change and greenhouse gas emission mitigation. The state has implemented policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions and phase-out the use of fossil fuels in transportation. The transportation sector is one of the major emitters of greenhouse gasses in California. In 2020, Executive Order N-79-20 established the goal of having 100% of in-state sales of new light-duty passenger vehicles and trucks to be zero emission by 2035. The use of electric vehicles has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, but we need to be able to power these vehicles while also keeping emissions down. The need for renewable and emission-free electricity is growing, especially since climate change has caused more severe storms, high winds and heat waves that increase demand for air conditioning and cause disruptions in the electrical system. This paper conducted a review of how increased electric vehicle use will impact the demand of electricity, while considering climate changes’ effects on the electric grid. The generation, distribution, and transmission of electricity is impacted by climate change on a state and local scale. California policies shape the transition to clean electricity generation and sustainable transportation and San Francisco has adapted strategies to achieve California's climate mitigation goals. Electrical demand will impact San Francisco’s transition to electric vehicles and renewable electricity generation. This review found that the quantity, shape, and timing of demand will also change depending on technological and environmental factors. Electrical supply can be altered to meet demand for individual cities and the state. San Francisco relies on hydropower to generate half the city's electricity, but California’s drought conditions could impact generation in the future. Diversifying state and local energy mix and increasing grid resilience to climate change will strengthen the system. Additional investments in energy storage, increased use of other renewable or clean sources and further researching vehicle to grid integration are some of the ways electrical supply can meet demand from vehicle electrification. Electrical supply can be enhanced by increasing investment in energy storage to support the increased use of solar and wind power. Reconsidering closures of nuclear power plants until reliance on renewable electricity supply and storage is consistent. The development of vehicle to grid (V2G) integration and bi-directional charging will support vehicle electrification and the grid’s transition to renewable and emission-free sources.

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