142. Decarbonizing with Energy Modeling
Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss a Carnegie Mellon University study led by Rumin Siershanti that identifies a critical gap in capacity expansion modeling (CEM) tools used by utility companies. The hosts explain that while 75% of US utilities aim to decarbonize, their planning software largely ignores energy storage, which is essential for managing the variability of solar and wind power. They highlight how this oversight threatens grid reliability and how the study proposes integrating storage and policy considerations, such as those in the Inflation Reduction Act, to support underserved communities.