This work seeks to create climate profiles for renewable energy generation potential to support further analysis, use in decision making by Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) and state agencies, and be utilized by associated grants. Beyond the generation, this grant will perform initial analysis on the climate profiles and demand profiles generated by EPC-21-041 (see bottom for full agreement name) to understand potential risks, opportunities, and challenges aspiring to meet SB100’s ambitious climate and energy goals.
Creating climate profiles include solar, wind, and hydrological energy potential profiles. While initial plans were for a single set per generation approach, after research it was recognized that on-shore and off-shore wind turbine hub height is sufficiently different to prompt separate analysis. For the solar, similarly speaking, it became apparent that industrial and rooftop solar generation required separate profiles. The hydro data generation, rather than being a gridded product, is instead focused on specific hydro generators given that hydro power generation is much more locationally bound than solar and wind power generation.
Collaborating with associated grants EPC-21-041 for demand profiles and EPC-21-038 for visualization creation on the Cal-Adapt website allowed for the team to begin to utilize the climate profiles created in other circumstances. The profiles were provided to the E3 team leading EPC-21-041 to incorporate into their RESOLVE modeling efforts. For the Cal-Adapt team, a collaborative effort came together with experts from both teams to develop an initial visualization showcasing the possible changes in energy generation potential in future Global Warming Levels (GWL).
- EPC-21-041: Climate-Informed Load Forecasting & Electrical Grid Modeling to Support a Climate Resilient Transition to Zero-Carbon, Energy & Environmental Economics, Inc.
- EPC-21-038: Climate-Informed Energy Sector Adaptation Planning Web Application via Cal-Adapt , with Eagle Rock Analytics.
Research described by this agreement was administered by CEC with ratepayer funds from the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This agreement’s Final Report describes original, energy-related research that contributes to California’s Fifth Climate Change Assessment (Fifth Assessment). The Fifth Assessment comprises a broad portfolio of research and synthesis reports that address California-specific research needs and knowledge gaps related to climate change. To ensure scientific rigor, Fifth Assessment research was peer reviewed. This research effort was peer reviewed through an editorial board established for the Fifth Assessment, which also served (where applicable) to support appropriate representation of the practitioners and stakeholders to whom each report applies.
Report Information
CCCA5-CEC-Energy-EPC-21-037
Lead Authors: Mark Koenig, Beth McClenny, Ph.D., William “Will” Krantz, Ph.D., Julia Szinai, Ph.D., David Yates, Ph.D.
Coordinating Commission Agreement Manager: Emily Field