Energy Systems Modeling

Electricity generation is the leading source of greenhouse gases worldwide. Transitioning to more reliable, affordable, and clean electricity sources is crucial to decarbonizing energy overall. Our group models how wind, solar, geothermal, and other resources can help decarbonize electricity and assesses potential benefits for air quality, climate, and health.

Funding: Energy Foundation, Clean Air Task Force, Project Innerspace

Recent publications:

• Morse, R., S. Salvatore, J.H. Slusarewicz, and D.S. Cohan (2022). Can wind and solar replace coal in Texas? Renewables: Wind, Water, and Solar, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40807-022-00069-2

• Chen, C., D.C. McCabe, L.E. Fleischman, and D.S. Cohan (2022). Black carbon emissions and associated health impacts of gas flaring in the United States. Atmosphere, 13(3), 385. doi:10.3390/atmos13030385

• Slusarewicz, J.H., and D.S. Cohan (2018). Assessing solar and wind complementarity in Texas. Renewables: Wind, Water, and Solar, 5(7), doi:10.1186/s40807-018-0054-3

• Strasert, B., S.C. Teh, and D.S. Cohan (2018). Air quality and health benefits from potential coal power plant closures in Texas. Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association, 69(3), 333-350. doi:10.1080/10962247.2018.1537984

• Krakauer, N.Y., and D.S. Cohan (2017). Interannual variability and seasonal predictability of wind and solar resources. Resources, 6(3). doi:10.3390/resources6030029

• Sengupta, S., and D.S. Cohan (2017). Fuel Cycle Emissions and Life Cycle Costs of Alternative Fuel Vehicle Policy Options for the City of Houston Municipal Fleet. Transportation Research D, 54, 160-171. doi:10.106/j.trd.2017.04.039

• Cohan, D.S., and S. Sengupta (2016). Net Greenhouse Gas Emissions Savings from Natural Gas Substitutions in Vehicles, Furnaces, and Power Plants. International Journal of Global Warming, 9(2), 254-273, doi:10.1504/IJGW.2016.074960