The Environmental Assessment and Optimization (EAO) Group focuses on building tools to reduce the environmental impacts of energy systems. One focus is on understanding greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from fossil energy systems. We also build optimization tools to improve the environmental and economic performance of energy systems. Our approach includes building engineering-based, bottom-up life cycle assessment (LCA) models to generate rigorous estimates of environmental impacts from energy extraction and conversion technologies. In optimization areas, we focus on renewable-fossil hybridization and integration.
Satellite plumes of methane emissions map overlays taken by Prisma and WorldView 3.
Time lapse skyward view of gas emissions.
Comparative results of hourly electricity grid operations of a Mountain Northwest (top) and Coastal Pacific (bottom) integrated energy system for the week with the peak electricity demand. Results presented include appliance investment optimization. Note that the Coastal Pacific system peak occurs during the summer, when electrified gas demands are low, whereas the Mountain Northwest system peak is further exacerbated by electrification during a time when renewables output is low.
In the News
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Methane leaks in New Mexico far exceed current estimates, study suggests
An analysis found lead of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from oil and gas drilling in the permian basin were many times higher than government estimates.
March 24, 2022
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Methane leaks are far worse than estimates, at least in New Mexico, but there’s hope
Using airborne sensors that see methane in the air, Stanford researchers say leaks are more worrisome than thought, but hope lies in the sensing technology itself.
March 22, 2022
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Tachyus Adds Green House Gas Expert Adam Brandt From Stanford University to its List of Notable Advisors
Professor Brandt is one of the pioneers in measurement of carbon intensity for the oil and gas industry.
May 06, 2021
