Demand Response & Automated Emissions Reductions w/ Olivine & WattTime

About this Video

• Video Title: Demand Response & Automated Emissions Reductions w/ Olivine & WattTime
• Channel: ClimateLink
• Speakers: Abigail Shelton (Olivine), Henry Richardson (WattTime), David (ClimateLink)
• Duration: 01:25:45

Introduction

This ClimateLink tech talk discusses demand response and automated emissions reduction strategies. Abigail Shelton from Olivine and Henry Richardson from WattTime present their work on optimizing energy usage to minimize emissions and improve grid stability, focusing on PG&E's Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP).

Key Takeaways

• Olivine's Role: Olivine provides infrastructure and program management services for utilities, focusing on renewable energy and emission reduction goals. They offer a technology suite including a valuation model, a climate response app, a technology marketplace, and a demand response (DR) platform.
• PG&E's ELRP: This program aims to avoid power outages and minimize costs during grid emergencies, primarily caused by extreme weather. The program incentivizes non-residential customers and aggregators to reduce energy usage during peak demand periods.
• ELRP Design and Implementation: The ELRP involved various participation options, including direct customer enrollment and aggregator participation (virtual power plants, base interruptible programs, capacity bidding programs, and third-party DR providers). Implementation challenges included the program's complexity and mid-season design changes.
• WattTime's Approach: WattTime focuses on providing data-driven solutions for cleaner electricity choices. They measure marginal grid emissions, enabling automated emissions reductions by optimizing energy consumption timing and location of renewable energy investments. They offer real-time and forecasted data through APIs.
• Future of ELRP and Emissions Reduction: The ELRP is expanding to include residential customers and new aggregator options (V2G, non-residential). Incentives are increasing, and minimum dispatch hours are being added. WattTime is developing global emissions data using satellite imagery and other remote sensing techniques.