First name:
Diego
Last name:
Meucci
Class Year:
2022
Advisor:
Robert Klee
Essay Abstract:
Given the average age of American electrical infrastructure, traditional modes of the generation and distribution of electricity are beginning to clash with modern technologies and renewable energy sources. Electrical infrastructure is aging and inefficiencies in transmission are preventing the cost of electricity from falling, whilst somewhat preventing the large-scale integration of renewable energy technologies into the transmission network. Physical transmission constraints are limiting the maximum amount of renewably generated electricity, and in order to perform a large-scale transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy generation, these constraints must be eliminated. In order to do so in a time-effective manner, grid enhancing technologies must be employed at large-scales. Grid enhancing technologies present low-cost transmission upgrades with multiple benefits, including improving the transmission capabilities of existing infrastructure. Reductions in electricity transmission congestion results in lower wholesale costs of electricity and increased integration capabilities for renewable energy sources. Secondary benefits include reduced carbon emissions from fossil fuel generators, due to a reduction in demand for locally generated electricity.