Project Details for the Energy Policy Research Group

The following are current and recent grants or projects obtained or lead by Elizabeth Wilson, with descriptions provided by the corresponding research assistants where applicable.

Research Project: Diffusion of Emerging Energy Technologies within a State Context

Wilson, E.J. Co-PI. NSF 2008–2010 $390,000
Co-PIs: Jennie Stephens, Clark University; Tarla Rai Peterson, Texas A&M
2008–2009 RAs: Joel Larson, Paige Evans, Miriam Fischlein
2009–2010 RA: Miriam Fischlein

The cross-disciplinary research examines the interconnected, state-level, socio-political influences on diffusion and deployment of emerging energy technologies with potential to contribute to an energy system transformation for climate change mitigation and energy security. Using a case study approach the research focuses on two very different emerging energy technologies, wind power and carbon capture and storage (CCS); both have large potential to change the energy technology landscape and to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions. The project uses a retrospective analysis of the diffusion history of wind power technology to ground identification and analysis of the interplay of factors that will influence future diffusion of wind and CCS. By examining these two technologies in six geographically and politically diverse states, the project will identify and evaluate relationships between the socio-political dimension of state energy technology systems and stakeholder perceptions of risks and benefits of the technologies. The integrated analysis will characterize the interplay of socio-political factors influencing technology diffusion to provide diverse and valuable insights about potential state level barriers and opportunities for these and other emerging energy technologies.

Basin-scale Leakage Risks from Geologic Carbon Sequestration: Impact on CCS Energy Market Competitiveness

Wilson. E.J. Co-PI National Energy Technology Lab 2009–2011 $1,867,000
PI: Catherine Peterson, Princeton University. Co-PIs: Michael Celia, Princeton; Jeffrey Fitts, Vatsal Bhatt, Brookhaven National Lab

Pollak, M.F. Research Fellow
2010–2011 RAs: Joe Dammel, Mina Rahimini

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is a technology that has the potential to reduce the emissions of climate change-causing carbon dioxide, although there are several barriers preventing its widespread adoption. One of these barriers is an incomplete understanding of the risks of long-term underground storage and how they impact the viability of CCS in the energy market. This project focuses on bridging the gap between scientists and public and private decision makers by bounding scientific understanding of CCS within an economic and legal framework. The Humphrey School will be working to provide a law and policy context to the scientific and economic models of researchers at Princeton University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. This collaboration will result in a range of costs for CCS tied to the probability of leakage that can be used to make more informed decisions about our energy future.

Regulation of Deep Geological Sequestration (CCSReg Project)

Wilson, E.J. Co-PI Doris Duke Charitable Foundation 2008–2010 $1,850,000
PI: Granger Morgan, Department of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon. Collaborators at: the Institute for Energy and the Environment at the Vermont Law School, and the Washington, D.C., law firm of Van Ness Feldman

Pollak, M.F. Research Fellow
2008–2009 RA: Sara Bergen
2009–2010 RA: Sarah Johnson Phillips

The CCSReg project is working with a wide range of stakeholders and experts to design and facilitate the rapid adoption of a U.S. regulatory environment for the capture, transport and geological sequestration of carbon dioxide. The objective is to assure that carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) will be done in a manner that is safe, environmentally sound, affordable, compatible with international carbon control regimes, and socially equitable. The Wilson research team has analyzed issues related to subsurface property rights, comprehensive regulation of CCS, adaptation and learning in regulation, monitoring and accounting for leakage from geologic sequestration, and state CCS policy. Project activities have included preparation of policy briefs, participation in Washington D.C. briefings for congressional and agency staff, and drafting model legislation. For more information see www.ccsreg.org

State Climate Action Planning: Geography of Regional and National Climate and Renewable Energy Policy

Wilson, E.J. PI Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment 2009–2010 $69,100

Pollak, M.F Research Fellow
2009–2010 RAs: Aaron Crowell, Joel Larson, Bryn Meyer, Rebecca Pickens

This project examines state-level influences on greenhouse gas reduction technology selection and policy decisions by analyzing the climate action planning process. Climate action planning is the process of identifying a portfolio of policies that could enable a state or other entity to reach a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal, and thus help reduce its contribution to global warming. As of November 2009, thirty-eight states had done climate action planning of some kind.[1] Several of these states have used the same consultant-led stakeholder process to develop their statewide climate action plans.[2] Because these states used the same process, the climate action plans developed by these states represent a natural policy experiment and opportunity for analysis. This project will analyze the results of the climate action planning processes in 12 states to reveal state-level preferences and practices, and highlight state-specific strategic behavior with regards to both energy technology preference and climate policy. Methods used in this project include: a comparative analysis of the proposed policies, a survey of the climate action planning process participants, an event history analysis of the factors that lead state governments to begin the climate action planning process, and detailed case studies of four states: Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina.

[1] “Climate Action Plans.” Pew Center on Global Climate Change, Nov. 2009. Internet on-line. Accessed 11 Jan. 2010. Available here.
[2] “Climate Mitigation Actions.” The Center for Climate Strategies. Internet on-line. Accessed 11 Jan. 2010. Available here.

Combining Geothermal Energy Extraction and CO2 Sequestration to Produce Clean, Renewable, Carbon Negative Electricity

Wilson, E.J. Co-PI. Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment, 2009-2012 $875,000
PI: Martin O. Saar. co-PIs: Thomas Kuehn, Karsten Pruess, Stefan Finsterle, Elizabeth Wilson, Steven Taff, William Seyfried, William Gosnold, Zheng-Wen Zheng, Harvey Thorleifson, Steven Hauck

Pollak, M.F. Research Fellow
This project is investigating the feasibility of developing an enhanced geothermal power plant system that generates electricity in tectonically stable regions with low heat flow, such as Minnesota and most regions worldwide, while simultaneously sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) in the subsurface. The project focuses on geologic, technologic, policy, and economic aspects of geothermal reservoir development and power plant design. The proposed system would have a negative CO2 output and, hence, help reduce anthropogenic global warming while utilizing the Earth’s natural heat flow as a renewable, clean energy source. The Wilson research team is analyzing laws and regulations governing the subsurface, electricity production, and greenhouse gas control to provide a road map of existing and evolving policy with the potential to influence deployment of the proposed system and to highlight technical considerations with the potential to influence regulatory treatment.

Research Pumped Hydro Energy Storage on the Mesabi Iron Range

Wilson, E.J. Co-PI. Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment. 2010–2011 $250,000
PI: Donald Fosnacht. Co-PIs: Jeff Marr, Nathan Johnson, Steve Hauck

Pollak, M.F. Research Fellow
Researchers at the University of Minnesota, along with industry partners Great River Energy and Minnesota Power are exploring the opportunity to use closed loop Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) using water-filled mine pits on the Minnesota Iron Range. PHES has high potential to be a solution to the challenges of integrating large amounts of variable renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into the grid. This project is conducting an initial screening assessment of closed loop PHES and providing a broad analysis of engineering, environmental, geotechnical, economic, and policy issues. The Wilson research team is assessing land use and mineral rights issues that would be impacted by PHES, identifying socio-political factors that affect PHES deployment, determining policy implications of closed loop PHES on the Minnesota Iron Range, and identifying legal or regulatory barriers to implementation.

Wilson Team Completed Research Projects

Assessment of Transportation Policy and Technology Options to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Minnesota

Wilson, E.J. Co-PI. Center for Transportation Studies $300,000
Co-PIs: Julian Marshall, David Kittleson, Laurie McGinnis, University of Minnesota

Regulation of Carbon Capture and Sequestration

Wilson. E.J. Co-PI. International Risk Governance Council $204,000
Co-PI: Granger Morgan, Carnegie Mellon University

School Travel and the Implications for Advances in Transportation Related Technology

Wilson, E. J. Co-PI. ITS Institute $84,400
Co-PIs: Kevin Krizek, Julian Marshal, University of Minnesota

Institutional Considerations for Greenhouse Gas Reductions: Survey and Assessment of Conservation Improvement Programs in Minnesota

Wilson, E.J. Co-PI. Consortium on Law, Values and the Environment $32,900
Co-PI: Tim Smith, University of Minnesota