Abstract
As renewable energy sources such as wind and solar begin to contribute a majority share of energy generation and supply, solutions for matching variable power demand to the intermittent supply of generation becomes increasingly pressing. Although it is understood that a composite solution of grid upgrades, energy storage, and advanced power electronics will be needed to account for this issue, the exact scope of the problem is not well defined. By analyzing the Eastern Interconnection (EIC) as though it were powered entirely by new 15 MW offshore wind by 2050, we can place a ceiling on the future costs and quantities of offshore wind for the EIC. This includes turbine capital and O&M turbine costs, storage methodologies, power electronics, and grid restructuring. These amounts are based on previously-determined EIC 2050 power demand projections [1]. The figures produced in these analyses are comparable to current investments made in all energy sectors, and provide context for investments in renewable energy generation methods including offshore wind in the future.
