Project overview:
An Offshore Wind Energy Development Strategy to Maximize Electrical System Benefits in Southern Oregon and Northern California
Awardee:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Start Date:
Q4, 2021
Technical Challenge Area:
Electrical Power Systems
Completion Date:
Q3, 2023
Synopsis:
In this project, PNNL developed a transmission valuation approach which framed and then comprehensively quantified the value of offshore wind to the power grid under specific development, interconnection and transmission scenarios. The framework evaluated the offshore wind resource in Northern California and Southern Oregon.
Target Outcomes:
1
Develop a system valuation methodology for transmission options that deliver offshore wind energy to load centers.
2
Apply the system valuation methodology to three different transmission scenarios of interest, conducting power systems analysis and assessing the value of offshore wind in that scenario.
3
Convene relevant stakeholders - including offshore wind developers, regional transmission operators, and state and federal policymakers - as advisors on the project.
4
Use project outcomes to guide state policy in Oregon and California and stand as a rubric for future grid integration studies in other regions of the U.S.
Project Principal Investigator
Project Manager, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory