Benjamin Lyseng

Topic

From Coal to Negative Emissions: Modelling the Decarbonisation of Alberta’s Power Grid

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Date & location

• Thursday, September 4, 2025

• 10:30 A.M.

• Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Andrew Rowe, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria (Co-Supervisor)

• Dr. Peter Wild, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UVic (Co-Supervisor)

• Dr. Ralph Evins, Department of Civil Engineering, UVic (Outside Member) 

External Examiner

• Dr. Daniel Posen, Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Andrea McKenzie, Department of History, UVic

   

Abstract

This dissertation models the decarbonisation of Alberta’s power grid, transitioning from primarily coal-fired generation to delivering net-negative emissions. Three key stages of the transition are analysed using optimisation and simulation methods: the transition from coal to natural gas under carbon pricing, integration of 80% variable renewable energy (VRE) using power-to-gas (PtG) for long-duration energy storage, and the operational implications of direct air capture (DAC) for achieving negative emissions. In the first study, carbon pricing is found to accelerate emissions reductions, especially through coal-to-gas switching. The second study demonstrates that PtG can support an 80% VRE system by reducing VRE capacity and curtailment through long-duration energy storage. In the final study, DAC operation is shown to be closely tied to the marginal low-carbon generator. Overall, this work provides robust modelling and insights for regional decarbonisation strategies.