On October 14, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University-- together with collaborators at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boise State University-- released a research study on how Southwestern Pennsylvania can thrive during the transition to a future with net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The study was launched in 2018 by former U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernie Moniz.  [Read more here.]

Expected to be one of the largest industrial transitions in history, the clean energy transition will affect sectors from electric power to heavy industry and transportation, and is necessary to address global climate change, according to the report.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania case study puts forth recommendations for how the regional economy can leverage its existing assets to help meet national and global efforts to address climate change, while creating new jobs and opportunities for existing fossil energy workers and their communities.

“A smooth transition of the energy and manufacturing sectors in this region will require investments and policies that address the needs of communities and workers. Doing so now will set the region on a course for future economic development.”

The case study found major energy opportunities for the region during the transition:

-- Large-scale methane emissions abatement at pipelines and abandoned wells: In the near term, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should undertake a large-scale effort at remediation of methane leakage from wells and pipelines, of water contamination, and of brownfield sites. Plugging and capping the over 400,000 legacy wells in the area will provide immediate employment for workers, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health.

-- Deep reduction of carbon emissions from power plants and industry via carbon capture and storage and hydrogen systems: In the medium and long term, development of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen will allow the region to continue the use of existing fossil fuels in ways consistent with the rising demand for low greenhouse gas production. CCUS and hydrogen will require construction of pipelines and storage infrastructure and retrofitting of existing facilities. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will need to develop CCUS and hydrogen plans now to take advantage of these opportunities.

-- Expansion of wind, solar and nuclear energy efficiency: For the short to longer term, other aspects of energy production and manufacturing present substantial employment and growth opportunities for the region. Energy efficiency and the grid are and will continue to be the largest source of employment in the energy sector. Additional training programs are needed to meet the growing demand for these industries. Wind, solar, and nuclear energy have substantial potential, but are not predicted to grow significantly under business-as-usual policies, unless market or technology conditions change. Shifts in state laws, such as loosening restrictions on community solar, are needed to realize some of this potential. Clean technologies for advanced manufacturing hold considerable promise for the development of modern manufacturing industries in this region.

-- Clean energy supply chain opportunities in manufacturing: Under all scenarios for the future, the region will need an effective workforce development strategy. Innovations in the energy sector will displace workers in traditional energy jobs, and emerging energy industries will require an appropriately trained workforce. Programs that engage local industry with area community colleges and local universities have proven very effective for helping workers adapt to the evolving job markets.

Carnegie Mellon Associate Professor Valerie J. Karplus, joined by former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz on CMU's Pittsburgh campus, presented the findings of the Roosevelt Project case study focused on Southwestern Pennsylvania to energy industry and economic development stakeholders at The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation.

Karplus recently joined Carnegie Mellon University from MIT, bringing extensive expertise on technology and policy theory of regional clean energy transitions around the world.

"The study shows that the region has built diverse strengths that will be in high demand in a low-carbon transition," said Karplus. "There is an opportunity for regional leadership to embrace this diversity as 'the next big thing' — and to develop a bold, targeted, and inclusive regional strategy and ongoing conversation to support its implementation. I am thrilled to join the faculty at Carnegie Mellon and to establish research here to support this agenda."

The Roosevelt Project was initiated by Moniz and takes a multidisciplinary approach to examine the transitional challenges associated with progress toward a deeply decarbonized U.S. economy.

"The case studies underscore the importance of policy and regulatory frameworks at the regional level to support technology deployment, ensure high quality jobs and diversify public revenues away from fossil sources," said Moniz. "Southwestern [Pennsylvania] has an opportunity to demonstrate how an 'all-of-the-above' strategy can generate jobs, build new industries, and secure livelihoods across the region's rural and urban communities, turning headwinds into tailwinds on the path to net zero GHG emissions nationwide."

Moniz, who currently serves as president and CEO of Energy Futures Initiative, joined CMU President Farnam Jahanian, Congressman Mike Doyle, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto for the announcement.

"Carnegie Mellon is pleased to have been a key partner in The Roosevelt Project's study of the region and is committed to applying its research expertise in energy innovation and policy to support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future," said CMU President Farnam Jahanian. "By coming together as a region, we can ensure this transition creates opportunity and that everyone — including the most vulnerable — can participate in a clean and resilient economy."

Karplus' first order of business at CMU has been to establish her research group, the Laboratory for Energy and Organizations, or LEO, which will carry forward elements of the work begun in the Roosevelt Project case study.

LEO focuses on how organizations — from business firms to governments and communities — can internally prepare to thrive in a clean energy transition by changing technology, strategy and practices.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Karplus join us at the Scott Institute," said Executive Director Anna J. Siefken. "As she joins our more than 170 energy researchers, her work is pivotal to our overall decarbonization efforts. We look forward to continued collaboration with Southwestern Pennsylvania leaders to showcase and demonstrate best practices in the energy transition to the rest of the world."

Click Here to read a copy of the study.

Visit the PA Environmental Council’s Deep Decarbonization webpage to learn more about a low-carbon future for Pennsylvania.

(Photo: From left, J. Michael McQuade, Jay Whitacre, Valerie J. Karplus, Ernest Moniz, Farnam Jahanian, Anna J. Siefken and Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive.)

NewsClip:

-- PG - Anya Litvak: DOE’s Roosevelt Project Presents Guide To Transition To Low-Carbon Economy In SW PA

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[Posted: October 15, 2021]

10/18/2021