ISO-NE president’s keynote sizes up future energy challenges

Timely additions of solar, wind, and imported electricity will be critical to mitigating energy shortfall risks over the next decade, ISO New England President and CEO Gordon van Welie said in his keynote address at the annual conference of the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA).

The keynote discussed the latest findings from Operational Impacts of Extreme Weather Events, an innovative study the ISO is carrying out in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute. The study examines how factors like temperature, cloud cover, and wind speed likely will impact the region’s energy supplies in the future as the climate continues to evolve. The latest results showed the probability of energy shortfall remains low, but increases from 2027 to 2032 as electricity demand grows and older generators retire.

During his speech, van Welie outlined other technical and economic studies and responsive market design initiatives the ISO has undertaken to support the clean energy transition. He also spoke about the need for major investment in infrastructure to transmit electricity from remote hydroelectric dams and wind farms to population centers. His presentation slides are available online.

The NEPPA conference, held August 20–23 in Groton, Connecticut, also included presentations on the Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on electrification, the future of nuclear power, physical threats to the transmission system, and superconductor technology.