Power generation: sensitivity to high-temperature heatwaves?

This data-file aims to provide a simple model for how generally well-covered grids can fail catastrophically during a heatwave.

We have modeled a simple grid with 1,000MW of typical generation capacity, which should be enough to cover 333-500MW of typical demand by a factor of 2-3x.

Drawing on technical papers, we have also quantified how wind, solar, gas turbines and transmission & distribution line losses all degrade at higher temperatures.

Thus during a heat wave, this seemingly well-supported grid falls over.

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