How will using 3M ACCR change the carbon impacts of my upgrade?
The impact of a transmission upgrade on carbon depends on a number of factors, including the calculation method. One important factor is the reason for the upgrade. If it is being done to enable renewable generation, doing it faster with ACCR can yield benefits. Estimates indicate that getting just one MW of renewable generation on the grid one year earlier than it otherwise would have been could save approximately 2,300 MMT of annual emissions.1 Also, while both construction and reconductoring require conductor and accessories, reducing steel, and concrete, tower and foundation production and transportation may also reduce carbon impacts. The exact effect on CO2 will vary depending on the project. 1According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, existing state renewable portfolio standards will require 76,750 MW to be installed by 2025, resulting in 183,000,000 MMT of annual carbon dioxide emission reductions. See http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/impacts/renew
