Quantifying CO2 savings from wind power

A method of quantifying operational CO2 savings from wind power generation is described with reference to the 2011 Irish electricity grid. Based on an emissions model and 12-hourly generation time-series for each grid connected thermal generator, it is estimated that wind power saved 0.28tCO2/MWh on average, relative to an implied average carbon intensity in the absence of wind of 0.52tCO2/MWh. These low savings are explained in terms of the response of individual thermal generators to intermittent wind generation.