Storing the Future: A Modeling Analysis of Illinois Energy Storage Needs Using the Open-Source Python for Power System Analysis Framework

The document details a modeling analysis of Illinois' energy storage requirements using the Python for Power System Analysis (PyPSA) framework. It outlines the grid's representation as two RTO subregions (ComEd and Zone 4), the data pipelines used for solar and wind production, and the specific technology assumptions and policy incentives—such as the Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits—integrated into the model. The analysis considers various demand growth scenarios and the impact of scheduled fossil fuel plant retirements.

• The analysis utilizes the open-source Python for Power System Analysis (PyPSA) framework, which employs linear programming to minimize annualized system costs.
• The Illinois electric grid is modeled as two distinct regions based on regional transmission organization (RTO) subregions: ComEd for PJM and Zone 4 for MISO.
• The model excludes new builds of fossil gas, coal, biomass, and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) facilities to align with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act's (CEJA) emissions standards.
• Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are used as the proxy for all energy storage costs due to their maturity and prevalence in current projects.
• The model incorporates federal policy incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), specifically a production tax credit (PTC) of $30/MWh and an investment tax credit (ITC) modeled as a 40 percent reduction in capital cost.
• Future electricity demand growth is modeled in three scenarios: low (1%), expected (2%), and high (2.5%), with the high growth scenario reflecting potential increases from data centers and electrification.

APA

Dotson, S., Shaver, L., & Gignac, J. (2024). Storing the Future: A Modeling Analysis of Illinois Energy Storage Needs Using the Open-Source Python for Power System Analysis Framework. Union of Concerned Scientists. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/Technical-Appendix-Storing-Future-2.pdf

Chicago

Dotson, Samuel, Lee Shaver, and James Gignac. Storing the Future: A Modeling Analysis of Illinois Energy Storage Needs Using the Open-Source Python for Power System Analysis Framework. Union of Concerned Scientists, 2024. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/Technical-Appendix-Storing-Future-2.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Dotson |first1=Samuel |last2=Shaver |first2=Lee |last3=Gignac |first3=James |title=Storing the Future: A Modeling Analysis of Illinois Energy Storage Needs Using the Open-Source Python for Power System Analysis Framework |publisher=Union of Concerned Scientists |date=November 2024 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/Technical-Appendix-Storing-Future-2.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{dotson2024storing, author = {Dotson, Samuel and Shaver, Lee and Gignac, James}, title = {{Storing the Future: A Modeling Analysis of Illinois Energy Storage Needs Using the Open-Source Python for Power System Analysis Framework}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2024}, month = nov, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/Technical-Appendix-Storing-Future-2.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }