Energy Grid Decision-Making under Long-Term Climate Hazard Uncertainty
Problem Statement
Investment decisions made for power grid planning have long-term impacts. In order to determine efficient investments for their regions and counties, utility providers and government officials are currently relying on some decision-making tools. However, some of them are outdated due to complex challenges brought by global warming.
Global Warming in South Florida consists of an increase in average temperature, sea-level rise, and alterations in rainfall. For this project, we are focusing on sea-level rise and elevation as they can affect the energy-grid infrastructure.
Some limitations detected in the current tools include the lack of mapping for multiple weather-related dangers, the visualization of Miami-Dade as a homogeneous location, and little or no consideration for investment in renewable energy sources.
Our mission is to develop an interactive map to help utility providers and government officials determine whether their desired area is ideal for the implementation of solar panels. We chose this renewable source due to the vast receive of sunlight in the area, which favors them if compared to wind turbines and hydropower plants.
As we observe the increase in demand for a clean source of renewable energy, we wanted to provide a platform that would aid in this transition over the next 20-25 years for Miami-Dade County. The map will factor in the consequences of climate change by considering the shifts in average temperature, flooding zones, and frequency of tropical systems over time.
Goals and Motivations
As climate change continues to be a prominent threat to the South Florida region with examples of increased temperature and sea-level rise, we wanted to create a product that accounts for flooding and encourages the development of renewable energies. We believe that the development of solar panels can help to meet Miami-Dade County’s current energy needs while also being a sustainable energy source for future generations.
Miami-Dade County's Energy Grid Now
Miami-Dade Climate Action Strategy
The Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management has a current benchmark to retune and retrofit existing buildings.
Renewable Energy
Florida is working on increasing renewable energy as it only accounts for a mere 2.3% of the net electricity generation in the state. In Miami-Dade County only 4% of energy sources used come from renewable energy.
Florida Power and Light’s Commitment
Florida Power and Light (FPL) is the primary power utility provider in Miami-Dade County. Their current goal is to strengthen powerline and poles with plans to install 30 million solar panels by 2030.
Impacts on the Community
Economic Costs & Infrastructure Damage
Miami-Dade County is home to approximately 221,125 businesses. These businesses rely on an efficient energy grid to operate and when climate hazards disrupt the energy grid, these businesses also suffer. For example, in 2017, hurricane Irma cost 1.3 billion dollars to repair the energy grid.
Health Risks
Lack of energy hurts those who rely on it the most for health reasons. In the event of a hurricane hospitals can lose access to the energy grid. Backup generators are an option but they tend to only last 96 hours.
Project Objectives
Implement an intuitive user interface
Account for multiple hazard conditions
Model impacts of flooding within Miami-Dade County
Provide investment recommendations on the integration of solar panels.
