Argonne Nationwide Laboratory has launched a web based geospatial mapping instrument to help siting selections and determine areas appropriate for photo voltaic, wind and different clear power infrastructure initiatives.
From pv journal USA
Argonne Nationwide Laboratory has developed a dynamic geospatial mapping instrument as a free, open useful resource to determine appropriate areas for photo voltaic, wind, and different clear power infrastructure initiatives. Based mostly on the specified parameters, the instrument generates a “warmth map” of splendid areas.
Customers of the Geospatial Vitality Map (GEM) can find websites with excessive suitability for clear energy technology and power transmission corridors in the US. Mission builders can browse and obtain geographic info system (GIS) information layers or create a custom-made mannequin appropriate to focus on areas for power growth.
GEM is supported by massive units of related geospatial information, together with power and infrastructure assets, demographics, boundaries, utility territories, and extra. The instrument comes loaded with greater than 190 information layers, and almost 100 modeling standards. Customers can choose for inhabitants density, proximity to nearest substation, slope, hearth threat, and proportion of low-income households.
As a brand new function, the map can simply orient itself to a targeted know-how similar to photo voltaic, wind, or EV charging infrastructure. This permits simple loading of a number of layers of information immediately associated to the know-how being developed.
GEM consists of preconfigured fashions for over 40 kinds of power infrastructure. Land-based wind generators or utility-scale photovoltaic photo voltaic are two examples of know-how presets. Preset information layer teams present a place to begin that customers can additional customise to their desired specs.
“Selecting the place to construct a utility-scale renewable power growth is an important resolution that has ramifications far past electrical energy technology,” mentioned Michael Levin, a GEM person who research renewable power landscapes at Columbia. College. “GEM not solely makes power effectivity maps public however permits the person to customise the mannequin used to create such a map.”
GEM was first launched to the general public in 2013 because the Vitality Zones Mapping Software (EZMT), and has since been redesigned, rebranded and reengineered. It’s sponsored by the US Division of Vitality (DoE) Argonne Nationwide Laboratory with funding from the DoE’s Workplace of Electrical energy.
“At GEM we’re making use of the teachings realized from almost 10 years of internet hosting EZMT, together with making it simpler to be taught and use, updating the software program structure, and choosing a reputation that matches its present scope of use,” mentioned Jim Kuiper, principal geospatial engineer and GEM technical coordinator.
A various group of customers is anticipated to make use of GEM, identical to its predecessor EZMT. The Kentucky Workplace of Vitality Coverage used EZMT for its prototyping The Photo voltaic Website Suitability of Reclaimed Mine Lands instrument. Different customers embody non-public business, public service commissions, regional transmission organizations, nationwide laboratories, instructional establishments, and power and pure useful resource nonprofits.
Argonne will host a digital GEM tutorial on Tuesday, January 17 at 2 pm (CT=. Click on right here to attend the webinar by way of Microsoft Groups.
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