Highlight Seminar: How Will We Manage Future Load Peaks from Electric Heating in New York State?

Vijay Modi

Professor, Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science; Faculty Member, Earth Institute and Data Science Institute; Director, Quadracci Sustainable Engineering Lab, Columbia University

Abstract
New York State climate goals (CLCPA), national programs (IRA), and local laws (e.g. LL97 in NYC) are trying to create a supportive environment to decarbonize heating and transport.  In colder climates, heating-induced load peaks and capacity requirements for both electric grids and on-premise heat pumps can be high. What are these needs going to be? Finally, what options could help manage the new peak loads in a state like New York?

Bio
Modi received his PhD from Cornell (1984), and joined Columbia University Mechanical Engineering Department faculty soon after in 1986, after a Postdoc at MIT. His current areas of research interest fall broadly under two themes. One, decarbonization of the energy system with a particular focus on space heating loads. Two, energy access, growth and infrastructure planning for access and renewable integration in low-income settings. Much of this effort is aimed at analysis and field experiments/data to support investment prioritization.