Design of Future Energy Infrastructure: Understanding trade-offs between Renewable Capacity, Storage and Transmission Networks for Low-Carbon Landscape
Name
raghavendranhari_175302_5332432_Bhupathi-hari_r-MEng-CTL-2025-Thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
Size
6.46 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
68df5ff0ca320352aa002b1a0b1f5069
Author(s)
Bhupathi, Hari Raghavendran
Advisor(s)
Caplice, Chris
Date Issued
May 2025
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
In 2021, the United States committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, requiring a fundamental transformation of its energy infrastructure. This thesis develops a nationwide optimization model to minimize capital expenditures and understand the trade-off between renewable capacity, storage, and transmission networks. The results show that the least-cost configuration, achieved when nuclear and battery capital costs fall by 50%, requires approximately $3.25 trillion in new investment - a 37% reduction relative to the baseline scenario. Comparative scenario analysis reveals a marked shift toward centralized storage when nuclear costs decline, which improves reliability and reduces contingency requirements - mirroring inventory pooling dynamics in supply chains. Concurrently, wind capacity additions fall sharply, with each 10% reduction in nuclear cost halving the predicted wind capacity addition. Transmission infrastructure evolves accordingly: 765 kV lines decline as nuclear becomes more decentralized, while 230 kV lines expand modestly to manage increased intermittency. By
quantifying trade-offs across technologies and identifying system tipping points, this work offers a framework for policymakers and long-horizon investors.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Supply Chain Management Program
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