environmental law forum | april 10, 2014 - obg · 2019-12-03 · published a new report on climate...

© 2014 O’Brien & Gere1

Infrastructure for Adapting to Climate ChangeEnvironmental Law Forum | April 10, 2014

© 2014 O’Brien & Gere

Agenda

3

Lessons Learned from Superstorm Sandy

What are Northeast States Doing About It?

State of our Power Grid

Role of Microgrids

Where to Start?

MarketingDirectory\Presentations_Internal & Corporate\Technical-Conferences\2014\InfrastructureAdaptingClimateChange.pptx


Superstorm Sandy by the Numbers

4

Damage Cost

States Affected

Loss of Power

Deaths

$71.4 Billion

24

118

Over 6 Millionscustomers in 15 states



What Went Right?

5

Accurate scientific models:

Prediction of path and strength of hurricane

Prediction of water level rise

FEMA flood maps allowing proper evacuation

Authorities ordered proper actions



What Went Wrong?

6

Failed to be prepared for handling environmental risks in the long term

Infrastructure is not prepared for the climate of the past… let alone the one we will have in the future

NYC subway, NYCDEP and Consolidated Edison (ConEd) planners ignored potential for flooding

Flickr – ThatHartfordGuy



The Problems

7

Evacuation routes were compromisedTrain and traffic tunnels were flooded

Bridges were closed due to high winds




The Problems

8

FloodingMany communities, including parts of

Manhattan, were flooded

Main sewage plants were flooded

Substations were flooded



The Problems

9

High Wind ConditionsDowned power lines

Downed trees

Water surge on land and in sewer systems



The Problems

10

Power Outages8.5 million people lost power

Lower Manhattan substation blew up leaving everyone below 34th Street (800,000 people) without power for days

Lisa Bettany



The Problems

11

After the Storm Lack of supplies and problems distributing

food and water

People in lower Manhattan had to walk five miles north to get food

Toilets in high rise buildings did not function due to flooded water pumps often located in the basement




The Problems

12

Lack of FuelWaterways were closed for delivery due to floating debris

Generators could not run

Gas stations had no power to retrieve fuel

Fights and arguments were breaking out at operating gas stations, police had maintain order!

People were heating homes by boiling water in kitchens



What are States Doing About it?

Re-imagining New York for a New Reality $17 billion plan for state investment in a wide range of projects “that will transform New York’s infrastructure, transportation networks, energy supply, coastal protection, weather warning system and emergency management system to better protect New Yorkers from future extreme weather…” Governor Cuomo press release 1/8/2014

$40 million in prize money behind NY Governor Cuomo’s push to bolster the state’s post-Superstorm Sandy resilience with community microgrids

Proposal for a Stronger, More Resilient New York $19.5 billion plan – from former NYC Mayor Bloomberg PlaNYC

13

New York


http://publications.budget.ny.gov/eBudget1415/fy1415littlebook/ReimaginingNewYork.pdf

http://www.nyc.gov/html/sirr/html/report/report.shtml



Energy Strong Plan$4 billion plan – just released from Public Service Electric and Gas Company (NYSE: PEG)to strengthen and modernize its gas and electricity infrastructure

The New Jersey utility saw about 1.7 million of its 2.2 million electric customers go without power during and after Superstorm Sandy. About $2.8 billion of the proposed plan goes toward improvements for the electrical grid, with another $1.2 billion for gas delivery.

14

New Jersey


http://www.pseg.com/family/pseandg/tariffs/reg_filings/pdf/EnergyStrong.pdf



Connecticut Climate Preparedness Plan Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has finalized the state’s Plan. The plan – required by Public Act No. 08-98 - An Act Concerning Connecticut Global Warming Solutions – evaluates the projected impacts of climate change on Connecticut agriculture, infrastructure, natural resources and public health and recommends strategies to lessen those impacts.

15

Connecticut


http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=4423&Q=528012&deepNav_GID=2121



Pennsylvania Climate Impact Assessment UpdateThe Department of Environmental Protection this published a new report on climate change entitled, Pennsylvania Climate Impact Assessment Update, (October 2013) prepared by professors and students at Penn State University’s Environmental Natural Resources Institute.

The report was mandated by the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act of 2008 and updates the 2009 report assessing the impact of climate changes in Pennsylvania.

16

Pennsylvania


http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-97037/PA DEP Climate Impact Assessment Update.pdf


US Power Grid – Current State

17

Three grids with little interconnectivity

Over 60 years old

~15,000 generators

211,000 miles of transmission lines

Generation capacity 1 terawatt (1,000,000,000,000 W)

Losses 9.5%

Number of major outages have doubled over last 20 years



Electric Grid

18

Generation Transmission DistributionCommercial &

IndustrialResidential



What is Microgrid?

19

Source: iTeres

Wind

Farm

Offices

Central

Power Plant

Storage

Industrial

Plant

Generators

Isolated Microgrids

HousesSolar Panels

Storage

Storage

Generators

Storage



Sample Microgrid Projects

20MarketingDirectory\Presentations_Internal & Corporate\Technical-Conferences\2014\InfrastructureAdaptingClimateChange.pptx


NPS / Frank Schmidt

Alcatraz Island – San Fransisco, CA – Microgrids

21

NPS / Roland Greenberg



Alcatraz Island – San Fransisco, CA – System Technology



Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, CA

23

The micro-grid system reduces fuel costs, meets San Francisco

emissions standards.

GTIB Inverters condition the power and are AC coupled to create an

micro-grid.

The system functions as an independent energy source.

The system allows the generators to transition from on to off seamlessly.

Site Controller coordinates and communicates with all components as well as provides real-time monitoring

and data collection.

Capabilities & Benefits



Fort Bliss, TX – Energy Storage System



Fort Bliss, TX | System Technology



Fort Bliss, TX

26

The micro grid demonstrates how RE can be integrated with the electric grid

to provide increased reliability, security, and operational capabilities.

The Energy Storage System (ESS) provides a back-up energy source

in case of grid failure or intentional “islanding”.

ESS provides enough energy to power the micro grid loads through a seamless transition, while the generator turns on to support

the loads indefinitely.

While connected to the electric grid, the ESS can provide services

such as VAR support and Frequency Regulation.

The ESS 20 ft. container consists of (1) Princeton Power Systems 100kW Grid-

tied Inverter and multiple Advanced Lead-Acid (PbA) battery racks.

Capabilities & Benefits



Microgrid | Campus Solutions

27

Campuses are a natural fit for deployment

Campuses are in a unique position to

lead the charge

Addresses need for improved resilience and provides economic value

Assists communities’ preparation for

natural disasters by offering a place of refuge



#obgPresents

environmental law forum | april 10, 2014 - obg · 2019-12-03 · published a new report on climate...

Documents