Geospatial Science for Energy Systems Engineering: evaluating optimum modalities for power grid integration.
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Abstract: Deep decarbonization in the U.S. will require large-scale and accelerated integration of renewable energy in the power grid. The power grid will therefore play a central role in the achievement of a net-zero carbon emission of the U.S. economy and enhance energy security. This is feasible because of existing power infrastructure as well as the ability and commitment to expand the grid from supply locations to demand centers, which can be facilitated through the interconnectivity of the power grid between several states or counties. Interconnectivity and deep decarbonization of the grid would also require consideration of existing regulations and grid integration modalities. This would imply the ability to identify potential locations with high generation capacities in megawatts (MW) or gigawatts (GW) scale given the generating power plants. Another challenge is that even though many renewable resources like solar and wind are regenerative, they are intermittent. They also have spatial characteristics in terms of availability and predominance which means that they are geographically restrictive to specific sites with varied generation capacities and scalability. These complexities present challenges when integrating renewable energy into the power grid. This presentation will thus discuss the current state of research in the application of geospatial science for energy systems modeling and provide insights into specific optimum modalities for power grid integration such as site feasibility, power systems sizing, and technology deployment to enhance supply reliability and grid stability.
Bio: Dr. Mary Asare-Addo is a renewable energy professional and a geospatial scientist with over 5 years' experience in the sustainable energy industry. She is currently a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Virginia supporting energy transition projects. She holds a PhD (Dr. rer.pol.) in Energy Systems and Environmental Management from the University of Flensburg in Germany, and with research publications in high impact journals. Dr. Asare-Addo is committed to contributing towards accelerating the decarbonizing of our energy systems and to help provide sustainable energy to particularly underserved communities. She has hence provided her expertise in strategizing and supporting data driven initiatives, including developed innovative and investment tools such as interactive web maps for the energy portfolio for various clients and stakeholders while working and consulting for the World Bank, the United Nations (UNDP), and the private sector in different countries. She is interested in the development and application of new or improved technologies for energy systems engineering, including technology translation. Her research interests include the application of geospatial science for sustainable energy systems modeling, energy transition pathways modeling, energy economics, as well as interest in exploring the role of energy policy in accelerating deep decarbonization of the power grid towards the global goal to achieve net-zero carbon emission economies.
Host: Eric Loth