Wang, Amy: Generation Expansion Planning for 100% Renewable Electricity at Rutgers University

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Title: Generation Expansion Planning for 100% Renewable Electricity at Rutgers University

Name: Amy Wang

Major: Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior

School affiliation: Douglass Residential College, Honors College, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

Programs: Honors College Capstone

Other contributors: Mark Rodgers, Dustin Wang, Rachael Shwom, Michael Kornitas

Abstract: While Rutgers University excels in some facets of sustainability, the university falls short with regards to evaluation and long-term planning. Of the fourteen Big 10 universities, seven have committed to emissions reductions goals, with five of the seven aiming for carbon neutrality by the year 2050. A Rutgers University transition to 100% renewable electricity would require significant initiative, coordination, and investment. Given the university’s consideration to achieve carbon neutrality as announced in 2019 and the emissions associated with the institution’s electricity use, Rutgers should consider additional investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

For my capstone project, a generation expansion planning model is used to determine a cost-effective way for Rutgers to reduce the carbon emissions associated with the university’s electricity consumption. The model, which minimizes costs while accounting for demand and a minimum renewable energy portfolio standard, can serve as guidance for the university for its future investing and operating plans.