Distribution grids are becoming complex and managing them with traditional approaches is increasingly untenable. On the one hand, the exponential adoption of DERs such as rooftop solar, home batteries and EVs is dramatically altering power consumption (and production) patterns.

Ambitious clean energy and climate change policies are driving the adoption of clean energy, the electrification of all sectors of the economy, and an increased emphasis on delivering benefits through the energy system for underserved communities.

Grid operation is becoming more complex and challenging due to the electrification of heating and transportation loads, deployment of intermittent renewable generation, and the occurrence of extreme weather events. Distributed energy resources (DERs) can offer considerable flexibility for grid operation but also presents a key challenge.

The energy systems at UW’s Seattle campus are in need of renewal, and that renewal is taking the form of a major transformation of how the UW heats, cools, and provides electricity to its buildings.