24 Dec NYC’s Grid Electrification
IS NYC’s Grid Ready For Electrification?
It is well established that buildings are the main contributor to carbon emissions (40%), regionally speaking. The onsite burning of fossil fuels is alone responsible for 67% of it. Therefore, reducing carbon emissions drastically implies a drastic shift from fossil-fuel heating systems to all-electric ones. While a common consensus on the need for electrification has been accomplished, massive uncertainty looms over whether the grid can support the transformation.
As per Urban Green’s latest report, “Grid Ready: Powering NYCs All Electric Building”, which used various energy models to predict power demands, the grid faces no immediate risk from electrification, even in the face of increased demand (by 42%) because of winters. Most network areas in NYC enjoy a minimum of 100 MW of capacity to electrify heating and hot water, leaving enough room for to convert around 300 multifamily buildings before the onset of winter.
The residential buildings in the outer boroughs will witness the winter demand exceed summer’s as low-rise buildings are easier to electrify but then they also have large heat and hot water loads.
It is crucial to understand that energy efficiency and demand flexibility upgrades are extremely successful at shaving peak demand. The success is amplified when integrated with heat pumps because then half of NY’s buildings can very possibly get electrified in time.
The residential buildings in the outer boroughs will witness the winter demand exceed summer’s as low-rise buildings are easier to electrify but then they also have large heat and hot water loads.
NYC’s demand usually peaks by 40% in the summer as opposed to winter actually. Building electrification will shift the demand significantly to occur in winter as colder temperatures allow the grid to carry more power. However, the shift is predicted to be gradual, with plenty of time available to utilities and their customers for smoother transition.
Electrified heat and hot water implies heaviest grid congestion to occur in January mornings instead of July afternoons. It is imperative that these loads are served efficiently and peaks well-handled. This involves simple adjustments like roof insulation, large hot water tanks and smart thermostats, used in tandem with the heat pumps – go a long way in managing peaks.
Heat pump installations are recommended to be tracked citywide to facilitate predictions vis-a-vis demands and peaks for the planners. A winter peak in all likeliness will occur post 30-40% of electrification has been achieved. This is anticipated to happen by 2035, even though part of the city will exhibit peaks sooner. Moreover, tracking is also essential to highlight areas where infrastructure upgrades and governmental programs might be needed to ensure proper resource allocation.
Electrification of buildings will be the most influential in managing future power demands. The targets are also likely to be readily achievable as NYC’s local distribution grid currently is reliable and has great systems in place for gradual upgrades and long-term planning.