EPA’s proposed carbon rules omit both the peaker problem and the peaker solution

9/12/23 Utility Dive Opinion by Shelley Robbins, project director at Clean Energy Group. The Environmental Protection Administration excluded peaker plants from its proposed CCS (carbon capture and storage) and hydrogen co-firing rule for fossil-fired power plants, and hinted at – but omitted – a requirement for co-located BESS (battery energy storage systems). BESS can take advantage of a peaker plant’s existing transmission and substation infrastructure and injection rights. “Co-located battery and combustion turbine combinations announced for four existing peakers in California are estimated to reduce emissions by 60%.”