Linking Carbon & Green Certificates Boosts Energy Aggregator Profits

Researchers in China developed a bi-level optimization model for distributed resource aggregators to trade across multiple markets, energy, peak regulation, carbon, and green certificates. The model establishes a relationship between surplus green certificates and carbon emission reductions, with a limit on how much green certificate value can offset carbon emissions.

The team constructed models for aggregator bidding and unified market clearing, factoring in the operational constraints of gas turbines, energy storage, and flexible loads. They then transformed the bi-level model into a single-level model using established mathematical methods and validated it through case studies.

Results indicate that a complete multi-market mechanism yields a net profit of 2245.03 yuan for the aggregator, exceeding profits from scenarios without the carbon-green certificate linkage or relying solely on energy markets. The model also reduced wind power curtailment and carbon emissions.