Publisher: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Elsevier)
Date: July 2024, Volume 199, Article 114467
Authors: Francesco Tassi; Noah Kittner
Intro-summary
The study models site‑specific portfolios for repurposing North Carolina coal plants and quantifies regional economic impacts using IMPLAN, incorporating IRA tax credits and interconnection‑reuse discounts. Least‑cost, technology‑inclusive portfolios (PV, wind, batteries, thermal storage, SMR/MSMR options) can replace coal generation at lower cost than continuing the current fleet, while meeting or exceeding site‑based economic impacts. Across scenarios, repurposing yields net employment gains and higher local tax revenues; advanced reactors and thermal storage alone can add at least $28 million in local tax revenues. Findings support repurposing as a faster, more equitable decarbonization pathway for coal communities.