Authors

Fan Fan, Yanchi Jin

Research Question

How can the optimal location for a new microgrid be determined, and what features or specific clusters should an area have to support a new grid installation?

Background

As cities transition toward sustainable energy solutions, optimizing microgrid placement is critical for resilience and efficiency. This project explores the spatial, environmental, and socioeconomic factors influencing energy consumption and microgrid siting, integrating insights from urban science and data-driven analysis.

Methodology

The methodology follows a two-part structure: literature review and data analysis. The literature review synthesizes research on urban density, land use, climate factors, and infrastructure, providing a foundation for the analytical framework. In the data analysis, energy consumption patterns are examined and the impact of various factors—both socioeconomic and environmental—on energy use are assessed. Next, the spatial distribution of existing microgrids is analyzed to identify trends and gaps. Finally, these insights are integrated to propose optimal locations for future microgrids, balancing efficiency, resilience, and equity.

This research leverages GIS, spatial analysis, and machine learning. By combining spatial analysis with predictive modeling, this research aims to provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and urban planners, contributing to the equitable expansion of distributed energy systems.

Deliverables

• Literature Review on microgrids, electricity consumption, and related influencing factors
• Technical Report on data analysis, methodology, and results derived from the datasets

Datasets