San Diego Journal of Climate & Energy Law
Abstract
Our built environment includes infrastructure dedicated to fossil fuels: wells, pipelines, compressor stations, refineries, fossil gas storage caverns, gas stations. One challenge as we decarbonize is how we will repurpose these locations and networks as we move toward a decarbonized world.
This Article imagines the outcomes for three distinct pieces of our fossil fuel infrastructure and how each could be a part of our decarbonized future. First, given the challenges seen building long distance transmission, local sources of renewable electricity will become even more critical. In many places, the most plentiful of these is rooftop solar, but it faces a storage problem. I posit that gas stations —ubiquitous but which will increasingly become unnecessary with the switch to EVs—could be perfect locations for large battery storage, able to accept extra solar power from the local distribution grid, enabling additional adoption without costly grid upgrades, and then discharging back onto the local grid during the evening.
Second, fossil gas distribution pipes may be able to be used as the conduit for undergrounding electrical lines in residential neighborhoods. While unsuitable for higher voltages, many of the reliability issues facing the grid are in low voltage distribution systems. We will need reliability as we electrify everything, and repurposing this infrastructure can both make undergrounding easier by removing an obstacle (fossil gas lines make undergrounding electric lines harder if they remain in service) and cheaper by using existing conduits.
Third, with modifications, the existing interstate gas pipeline system could be used for green hydrogen to supply electric peaking facilities. While major replacements would need to occur, these corridors can provide access to current electric generation facilities. All these will require new regulations and come with costs as well as benefits. All can aid in achieving our decarbonized future.
Recommended Citation
Heather E. Payne,
Repurposing Fossil Infrastructure,
15
San Diego J. Climate & Energy L.
35
(2024)
Available at:
https://digital.sandiego.edu/jcel/vol15/iss0/3