Characterizing New York State Offshore Wind Energy Curtailment to Support Net Zero Technology Growth

The speed and scale needed to transition to a clean energy grid requires an integrated approach to address challenges in variability of energy resources and grid load. This research provides novel insights into the optimal use of otherwise-curtailed energy by analyzing the impacts of deploying different levels of renewable capacity on the cost, curtailment, and emissions reductions of future grid scenarios. The focus on New York State is motivated by a combination of its substantial energy demand stemming from large population centers, sizable offshore wind energy pipeline, enormous offshore wind energy potential, and ambitious clean energy targets. The extent to which supply is projected to outpace demand is quantified by employing grid load data in conjunction with high spatial and temporal resolution wind energy datasets with wind speeds at relevant hub heights for modern wind turbines. The resulting model captures a range of possible renewable capacity buildout scenarios mirroring existing state energy policy, and reports the quantity and temporal variation of curtailed energy for each. The study further identifies the conditions under which it would be most efficient to use this excess energy to fulfill requirements for technology such as green hydrogen electrolysis, carbon capture systems, or battery storage. This information can facilitate decision-making for strategic grid integration planning, including investment decisions around infrastructure that will help decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. This study aims to enhance grid planning that will better serve end users by providing reliable and low-cost clean energy and support the burgeoning net zero carbon economy.