GHG Emissions  -  August 6, 2021

NYPA Launches Study on Long-Term Climate Change Impact

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is launching a study of the long-term effects of climate change and extreme weather on its power generation and transmission operations.

The research will be led by Argonne National Laboratory in collaboration with a U.S. Department of Energy Science and Engineering Research Center, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP). The study should help NYPA plan and strengthen its resilience against hazards like major weather events.

The team will use state-of-the-art climate and infrastructure system modeling techniques and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers to conduct the study by modeling global climate models and different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

“It’s imperative that NYPA assess the vulnerability and sensitivity of its generation and transmission systems to climate-driven risks such as increased flooding and extreme temperatures so we can prepare to stand up to these hazards and make smart investments in resiliency strategies,” Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO, said in a statement. “The results of this climate analysis will improve our ability to address the risks associated with climate change and inform our strategies and investments in the coming years so that we can continue to ensure a reliable, resilient and affordable electricity system across New York State.“

NYPA currently supplies 25% of New York State’s Power and 80% of that supply comes from hydropower. The research study will include the creation of a climate resiliency plan to help NYPA mitigate any climate-related risks in its operations.

This study is the first phase of a four-year climate adaptation and resilience assessment by NYPA. The second phase in 2023 will focus on assessing the social and economic impact of climate change on NYPA’s customers and stakeholders.

Read These Related Articles:

• NYC hospitals report 10% energy use reduction, look toward Brooklyn cogeneration project
• NYPA touts Manhattan's largest public solar project
• Empire State Plaza overhauls efficiency program
• JetBlue converts to electric baggage equipment
• Javits Center solar project approved for energy storage addition