Switch

Planning low-cost, high-penetration renewable energy investments through application of the Switch computational model.

With Switch (a loose acronym for Solar, Wind, Hydro and Conventional generators and Transmission), one can explore development options for the future electricity grid throughout the United States. The model identifies cost-effective investment decisions for meeting future electricity demand, taking into account the existing grid as well as projections of future fuel costs, technological developments, renewable energy potential, and proposed policies. Early results for California indicate the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard can be met with no additional cost to consumers. We are actively expanding the model to the rest of the United States as well as gathering data for China.

Some recent findings using a preliminary version of Switch:

• Current carbon emissions reductions targets such as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) can be achieved with minimal added cost to electricity consumers. Renewable Portfolio Standards are legally binding targets set by states to ensure a defined pecentage of their electricity comes from renewable sources by a certain date. For example, under current RPS standards, California must get 33% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Read more about RPSs from the EPA or the DOE.
• Expanded and new transmission lines are needed regardless of the RPS target. The choice of the clean energy target determines the size and paths of transmission investment, which strongly shapes the economic landscape for future generation decisions. Providing incentives for certain technologies now – residential energy efficiency and renewable generation – reduces sharply the need for new transmission and supports domestic economic development.
• Some analyses have portrayed the cost of meeting California's 33% RPS target as high. California's renewable resources are limited, but Switch allows transmission across state lines that could help California meet its RPS goals. Switch allows the states that supply much of California's renewable energy to maintain sustainable and cost effective energy mixes.

More information about the electric power system in North America can be found at the links below:

• A grid primer
• The Energy Information Agency's electric section is a great data resource
• Also, Renewable and Efficient Electric Power Systems by Gilbert Masters (2004) is a fantastic introduction to the history, current state, and future of the grid. Highly recommended - it contains a tremendous amount of information in a well organized and easy to read format.