Considering the Spatiotemporal Vulnerability of Low-Carbon Power Grids using a Case Study for New York State

Abstract: Over the past several years, many cities, counties, states, and nations have announced plans to mitigate climate change through zero-carbon policies. These plans rely primarily on decarbonizing the power system while shifting transportation and building sectors toward electrification. However, less attention has been given to the potential problems that may arise from the operational limitations of a zero-carbon power grid, especially when it comes to dealing with changes in climate and technology.  This seminar will consider the question of spatiotemporal heterogeneity in vulnerabilities that arise from the interplay between renewable resource availability, load patterns, and severe transmission line congestion based on the detailed proposal for decarbonization of New York State in the Community Leadership and Climate Protection Act (CLCPA).

Bio: Catherine (Lindsay) Anderson is Professor and Chair of the Department of Biological & Environmental Engineering at Cornell University, with research appointments in Applied Mathematics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Systems Engineering. She is a recipient of an NSF CAREER Award, the Cornell University Engineering Award for Research Excellence,  the Richard F. Tucker ’50 Excellence in Teaching Award, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) University Faculty Award, and an ESIG Award for Research. Lindsay’s research is focused on energy system decarbonization, with a specific interest in operational algorithms for electric power systems with high penetrations of renewable resources, energy storage, and demand-side flexibility.