Date of Graduation
Spring 5-20-2021
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Energy Systems Management
College/School
College of Arts and Sciences
Department/Program
Energy Systems Management
First Advisor
Dr. Jim Williams
Second Advisor
Ryan Jones
Abstract
Our IRP aims to determine the optimal resource mix that will meet the forecasted load in 2030, 2040, and 2050. This report models a Reference or “business-as-usual” case and four alternative scenarios that deploy renewable energy resources or carbon capture technologies at varying levels to meet load at the beginning of each of these three decades. We assumed zero-carbon emissions targets for all four alternative scenarios, which go above and beyond Colorado’s current RPS. We are also retiring coal before 2040 for all four alternative scenarios in alignment with Xcel’s current plan.
The forecasted load in the Reference scenario is taken from PSCo’s 2016 ERP Annual Report for the years 2020-2030. We then extrapolated the data using a 1.2% compounded growth rate for the years 2030-2050.
All five scenarios do not include any new coal, nuclear and hydro power plants due to resource limitations as well as physical and environmental restrictions.
Recommended Citation
aziz, rehana and Litwin, Josh, "2050 Integrated Resource Plan for Public Services Company of Colorado" (2021). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1184.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1184
