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Webinar Recording: Introducing GEM!
A recording of the December 20, 2022 Introducing GEM! webinar is available.
Try GEM!
We've launched an updated version of the EZMT called the Geospatial Energy Mapper (GEM). Please try it, and let us know what you think at [email protected]!
New Mapping Layers Added
The following mapping layers were added:
• Alternative Fuel Stations - CNG
• Alternative Fuel Stations - Hydrogen
• Alternative Fuel Stations - LPG
• FHWA Designated CNG Corridor (Rounds 1-6)
• FHWA Designated Hydrogen Corridor (Rounds 1-6)
• FHWA Designated LPG Corridor (Rounds 1-6)
Updated Modeling Layers and Models
The following modeling layers were updated or added:
• Land Cover (NLCD 2019) (Updated)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (Land-based at 80m) (Higher resolution)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (Land-based at 100m) (Higher resolution)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (Land-based at 120m) (New)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (Offshore at 80m) (Higher resolution)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (Offshore at 100m) (Higher resolution)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (Offshore at 120m) (New)
All system models using one or more of the layers above were also updated.
Updated and Added Mapping Layers
The following mapping layers were updated or added:
• Formerly Used Defense Sites (Areas) (New)
• Formerly Used Defense Sites (Points)
• Land Cover
• Wind Speed (80m Annual Average)
• Wind Speed (100m Annual Average)
• Wind Speed (120m Annual Average) (New)
Updated Mapping Layers
The following mapping layers were updated:
• Dams
• Locks
• Power Plants
Updated Solar and Wind Technical Potential
A copy of the Technical Potential layer was added to allow for symbolizing wind and solar potential separately.
The layers are now listed in the mapping catalog as:
• Solar Technical Potential (2020), and
• Wind Technical Potential (2020)
Updated EV Charging Station Mapping Layers, Modeling Layers and Models
The following updates were made based on 7/22/2022 data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center:
Mapping layers:
• Alternative Fuel Station
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Non-Tesla DC Fast)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Non-Tesla Level 2)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Planned)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Tesla DC Fast)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Tesla Level 2)
Modeling layers:
• Distance to EV Charging Station - All DC Fast
• Distance to EV Charging Station - All Level 2 or DC Fast
• Distance to EV Charging Station - Non-Tesla DC Fast
• Distance to EV Charging Station - Non-Tesla Level 2 or DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - All DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - All Level 2 or DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - Non-Tesla DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - Non-Tesla Level 2 and DC Fast
Models:
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station - Corridor
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station - Urban TNC
FHWA Designated EV Corridor Update
The FHWA released Round 6 of corridor definitions, and the following updates were made:
• Updated mapping layer: FHWA Designated Alternative Fuel Corridor (Rounds 1-6)
• Updated modeling layer: Distance to FHWA Designated EV Corridor (Rounds 1-6)
• Updated model:: Electric Vehicle Charging Station - Corridor
Updated Solar Energy Zones
The Solar Energy Zones mapping layer was updated.
Webinar on State Reports on Planning Considerations for Electric Vehicles
The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity hosted a "Webinar on State Reports on Planning Considerations for Electric Vehicles" on July 12, 2022. A recording of the presentation is available.
System Models Updated
All power plant, corridor, and electric vehicle charging station models have been updated to run for a lower-48-state extent, and the default versions listed in Results have been recomputed.
Modeling Layer Updates
The following modeling layers were updated:
• 100 Year Flood Zone
• DOE/DOT Interim Guidance DACs (May 2022) and Tribal Land
• Quaternary Fault Exclusion
• Seismic Hazard
Mapping Layer Updates
The following mapping layers were updated:
• Electrical Substations
• Quaternary Fault
• Seismic Risk (2% in 50 years)
• Transmission Line - HIFLD
Mapping Layer Updates
The following mapping layers were updated:
• Designated Alternative Fuel Corridor (Rounds 1-5)
• DOE/DOT Interim Guidance DACs (May 2022)
• Ozone Percentile
• PM2.5 Percentile
Mapping Library Addition
Hydropower Energy Storage Capacity was added to the mapping library. This layer provides a list of all hydropower plants in the US with their installed capacity, reservoir energy storage, and additional information.
Using the EZMT to Equitably Plan for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The U.S. Department of Energy, Clean Cities Coalition Network Webinar Series hosted a presentation on "Using the EZMT to Equitably Plan for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations". The slides, and a recording of the presentation are available.
Modeling Library Additions and Updates
The following modeling layers were added or updated:
• Distance to EV Charging Station - All DC Fast
• Distance to EV Charging Station - All Level 2 and DC Fast
• Distance to EV Charging Station - Non-Tesla DC Fast
• Distance to EV Charging Station - Non-Tesla Level 2 or DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - All DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - All Level 2 or DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - Non-Tesla DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - Non-Tesla Level 2 and DC Fast
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were updated:
• Alternative Fuel Station
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Planned)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Non-Tesla DC Fast)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Non-Tesla Level 2)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Tesla DC Fast)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Tesla Level 2)
Modeling Layer Update
The Landslide Incidence and Susceptibility modeling layer was updated.
New Draft Models for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Three draft models designed for different electric vehicle (EV) charging station siting strategies were added:
• Corridor: Designed to highlight gaps along designated EV corridors, including percent minority as an example equity criteria
• Rural: Designed to identify rural locations with advantageous criteria like higher traffic and nearby substations
• Urban TNC: Designed to highlight underserved urban areas with favorable ridesharing characteristics (both drivers and riders)
These models are draft and likely to change before they are finalized. We invite you to try them as-is, make adjustments for your interests or different use cases, or to create new models with the recently-added EV- and equity-related modeling layers. A case study about these examples is in progress. Please send your comments about these models (or any other EZMT topics) to [email protected].
Updated Modeling Layers and Models
The following modeling layers were extended from the Eastern Interconnection to the contiguous 48 states using current source data:
• 100 Year Flood Zone
• Coal Basin, Regions, and Fields
• Distance in Meters to a Bedded Salt Formation
• Distance in Meters to a Domal Salt Formation
• Distance in Meters to a Military Installation
• Distance in Meters to a Port
• Distance in Meters to a Saline Formation for CO2 Storage
• Enhanced Geothermal Technology Potential
• Surface Water Flow (all layers)
The following models were updated to run for the full contiguous 48 states:
• Above Ground Natural Gas Storage Technologies
• New Coal Fluidized Bed
• New Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine
• New Pulverized Coal
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were added or updated:
• 100 Year Flood Zone
• Bedded Salt Formation
• Coal Plants Suitable for Co-Firing Biomass
• Coal Power Plant
• North American Saline Basin
• Wave Energy - Hindcast Direction (Added)
Mapping and Modeling Library Additions
The following mapping layers were added:
• Households Without Vehicles
• Public Transit Stop Density
The following modeling layers were added:
• Distance to Mass-transit Hubs (DC, MD, VA, WV only)
• Percent Low-income
• Percent Minority
• Percentage of Households Lacking a Vehicle
• Public Transit Stop Density
• Road Traffic Density (Limited extent)
• Transit Desert Index
Using EZMT Online Mapping to Plan for Clean Energy
The University of Michigan Clean Energy & Energy Management Webinar Series hosted a presentation on "Using EZMT Online Mapping to Plan for Clean Energy". The slides, and recordings of the presentation and demonstration are available.
Mapping Library Additions
The following mapping layers were added:
• Interagency Fire Perimeter History
• Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) Modeled 95th Percentile Projections
• Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) Modeled days over 600 projections
• Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) Observed 99th Percentile
• Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) Observed Days over 600
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were added or updated:
• Aquifer Area
• Electric Planning Areas (added)
• Submarine Cable (USACE) (added)
• Submarine Pipelines (added)
• EPA Brownfield Sites (RE-Powering America's Land)
Mapping Library Additions
The following mapping layers were added:
• HUD Opportunity Zones
• Transit Desert Index
• EPA EJScreen 2020
Mapping and Modeling Library Additions
The following mapping layers were added:
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Non-Tesla DC Fast)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Non-Tesla Level 2)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Tesla DC Fast)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Tesla Level 2)
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Planned)
The following modeling layers were added:
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - Non-Tesla DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - Non-Tesla Level 2 and DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - Tesla DC Fast
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - Tesla Level 2 and DC Fast
• Distance to Designated Electric Vehicle Corridor (Round 5)
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were added or updated:
• Military Installation Area
• Military Installation Point
• Natural Gas Storage Facilities
• Biodiesel Plants
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Import/Export Terminals
• Petroleum Refineries
• Estimated Temperature at 2000 m Depth (added)
Mapping and Modeling Library Additions and Updates
The following mapping layers were added:
• Housing - Units in Large Multi-unit Structures/sq. mi
• Housing - Mobile Home Units/sq. mi
• Roads, with Average Annual Daily Vehicle Traffic
Updated mapping layers:
• Designated Alternative Fuel Corridor (Round 5)
New modeling layers:
• Distance to Designated Electric Vehicle Corridor (Round 4, Lower 48)
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - Level 2 and DC Fast (Lower 48)
• Electric Vehicle Charger Density - DC Fast (Lower 48)
• Household Transportation Energy Burden (Lower 48)
• Housing Density - Large Multi-family (Lower 48)
• Housing Density - Manufactured (Lower 48)
Mapping Library Additions and Updates
The following mapping layers were added:
• Block Groups: Population Density (2018)
• Electric Power Retail Service Territories
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station (DCFC) and (Level 2)
• Household Transportation Energy Burden
• Wind and Solar Technical Generation Potential (2020)
Updated mapping layers:
• Alternative Fuel Station
• Marine Port
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were added:
• Block Groups: Low Income
• Block Groups: Total Minority
• Block Groups: Low-income/Minority over Environmental Justice Threshold
• Designated Alternative Fuels Corridor
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were added or updated:
• Alternative Fuel Stations
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (added)
• Major Roads
Mapping Library Addition
A new mapping layer has been added to the EZMT. This layer depicts farmland productivity, versatility, and resiliency and comes from Conservation Science Partners and American Farmland Trust.
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were added or updated:
• Power Plants
• Railroads
• Electrical Substations
• Onshore Oil and Natural Gas Wells
• Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Pacific Platforms
• Transmission Line - HIFLD
• Wind Turbine - Existing Location
• Wind Turbine - Permit Location
• Coal Mine/Facility
• Sedimentary Basins with Shale Plays
Model Updates Complete
The model updates have been completed to transition to the HIFLD electrical infrastructure layers and other recent model layer updates. Also,the Distance to Railroads layer in the modeling library was extended to the lower 48 states.
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were added or updated:
• Active Offshore Oil and Gas Leases
• Coal Mine/Facility
• Petroleum Product Terminals (New)
• Power Plants
• Railroads
• Wind Turbines
Replacement of Platts data
Due to Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD) for transmission lines becoming available, the commercial license for transmission line data from S&P Global Platts was not renewed. The transmission line and substation layers from HIFLD are available in the mapping library, and the modeling layers for distance to transmission have been replaced with ones generated from HIFLD data. In addition a new set of modeling layers for distance to substations were added.
*** Updates of system model configurations are in process to transition them to use the HIFLD layers. ***
Model runs saved by users are still viewable,
To rerun a saved user model, the configurations must be updated to use the HIFLD layers by:
- noting the transmission line suitability settings in your model,
- deleting the old transmission line layer,
- adding the corresponding HIFLD transmission ine or substation layer,
- updating the suitability settings to match the old layer, and
- launching the updated model.
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were added or updated:
• Electrical Substation
• Transmission Line - HIFLD
Mapping Library Updated
The following mapping layers were added or updated:
• Coal Basin, Region and Field
• Petroleum Refineries
• Power Plants
• Transmission Line - Existing
• Transmission Line - Planned
• Wind Turbines
New Layers Added to Mapping Library
The following mapping layers were added:
From the Homeland Infrastructure Foundation Level Database (HIFLD):
• Natural Gas Compressor Stations
• Transmission Lines
• Electrical Substations
From The Nature Conservancy:
• Site Wind Right: Wildlife Areas (Also see https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/site-wind-right for TNC's mapping tool, and more about this effort.)
From the National Park Service:
• National Historic Trails
• National Scenic Trails
From the U.S. Geological Survey:
• Geothermal Favorability (Western U.S.)
Webinar Recording Available
A recording of the September 19, 2019 webinar on "Recent Enhancements and Updates" is available here: https://youtu.be/X8hizb-LawQ.
Updated Mapping Layers from the DOE Energy Information Administration
The following mapping layers were updated:
• Power Plants
• Coal Mine/Facility
• Coalbed Methane Field
• Sedimentary Basins with Shale Plays
• Tight Oil/Shale Gas Plays
• Biodiesel Plants
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Import/Export Terminals
• Natural Gas Processing Plants
• Natural Gas Underground Storage
• Petroleum Refineries
• Pipelines - Crude Oil
• Pipelines - Hydrocarbon Gas Liquid (HGL)
• Pipelines - Natural Gas
• Pipelines - Petroleum Product
• Northeast Petroleum Reserve Sites (New layer)
• Strategic Petroleum Reserves
New Land-based and Offshore Wind Models Extended to the West
Four new models representing land-based and offshore wind at 80m and 100m hub heights have been added to EZMT. These currently have a "preliminary" designation and will be finalized soon.
Updated and Extended Modeling Layers and Model Updates
The following modeling layers were updated and cover the Lower 48 states in extent, and we are in the process of updating onshore and offshore wind models to use them. Solar PV and CSP models have been finalized.
• Protected Land
• Habitat
• Surface Water Flow (64,500 gpm)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (onshore 100m)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (onshore 80m)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (offshore 100m)
• Mean Annual Wind Speed (offshore 80m)
• Distance in Meters to Major Road
• Distance in Meters to an Airport
• Bathymetry
• Unexploded Ordnance
• Distance in Meters to Shoreline
• Navigable Waterways
• Distance to Air Navigation VOR/TACAN
• Distance in Air Navigation DME/NDB
Updated and Extended Mapping Layers
The following mapping layers were added, updated and/or extended to their full data extent:
• NERC Subregions (Added)
• Power Plants (EIA) (Updated)
• National Trails (Updated and extended)
• Navigational Aid - Aircraft (Updated and extended)
• Navigational Aid - Marine (Updated and extended)
• Section 368 Energy Corridors (Updated)
• Scenic Byways (Extended)
• Solar Potential: 1-Axis Tracking Flat-Plate Collector (Extended)
• Tribal Reservations (Extended)
• Unexploded Ordnance (Offshore) (Updated and extended)
• USFS Roadless Area (Extended)
Webinar recording available
A recording of the September 20, 2018 webinar on "Model Updates and Other Recent Activities" is available here: https://youtu.be/DctXbYs8jLc.
Webcast Demo: Thursday, September 20, at 3:00 pm Central
EZMT Update
A webinar demonstration of the Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Thursday, September 20, at 4pm ET/3pm CT/2pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: https://bluejeans.com/355741337
Audio: 866.226.4650, Meeting Id: 355 741 337#
After a brief introduction about the project and user interface, a live demonstration will highlight:
• Modeling updates to solar, wind, and corridor models extending them to the 48 contiguous states
• Examples of locating and analyzing higher suitability solar, wind, and energy corridor locations in the western U.S.
• Most notable new mapping layers - added, updated, or extended to the full U.S.
• Audience questions and comments
Updated Modeling and Map Layers
The following modeling layers were updated and cover the Lower 48 states in extent, and we are in the process of updating the solar, wind, and corridor models to use them.
• Distance in Meters to Transmission Line (>= 115 kV) (Lower 48)
• Distance in Meters to Transmission Line (>= 220 kV) (Lower 48)
• Distance in Meters to Transmission Line (>= 345 kV) (Lower 48)
• Distance in Meters to Transmission Line (>= 500 kV) (Lower 48)
• Distance in Meters to Transmission Line (>= 735 kV) (Lower 48)
• Distance in Meters to DC Transmission Line (Lower 48)
• Federal Land (BLM Surface Management Agency) (Lower 48)
• Land Cover Area (Lower 48)
• Population Density (Lower 48)
• Slope (Lower 48)
• Solar CSP: Direct Normal Potential (Lower 48)
• Solar PV: 1-Axis Tracking Flat-Plate Collector (Lower 48)
The National Conservation Easement Database layer was also updated in the mapping library.
Updated Layers
The following mapping layers were updated:
• Airports
• Airport Runways
• Alternative Fuel Stations
• County Boundaries
• Federal Land (BLM Surface Management Agency)
• Major Roads
• Marine Ports
• Navigable Waterway Network
• NERC Region Boundaries
• Railroads
• State Boundaries
• Transmission Lines - Existing
• Transmission Lines - Planned
• Wind Turbines - Existing Locations
Transmission Line Updates and new Layer Added
The Platts transmission line layers have been updated and a new layer representing North American Electricity and Environment Model (NEEM) regions has been added to the EZMT.
New EZMT Capabilities Video
A new 3-minute video showing some of the main capabilities of the EZMT is available here. It was displayed at the recent ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C.
New Map Layers
The following mapping layers were added:
• Hydro Run-of-River Max Monthly Gen (1970 – 2015, May)
• Hydro Run-of-River Min Monthly Gen (1970 – 2015, September)
• Watersheds (HUC2)
• Western Renewable Energy Zones (WREZ)
Updated and Extended Layers
The following mapping layers were updated and extended to a U.S. extent:
• Candidate Landfill Methane Project
• Coal Mine/Facility
• Commercial Nuclear Power Plant
• Candidate Landfill Methane Project
• Marine Protected Areas
• National Conservation Easement Database
• NERC Region Boundaries
• Protected Areas Database
• Pumped Storage Site
Updated and Extended Layers
The following mapping layers were updated and extended to a U.S. extent:
• Surface Water Flow - NHDPlus Version 2
• Coal Basin, Region & Field
• Energy Potential Non-Powered Dam
• North American Oil & Gas Field
• Operational Anaerobic Digester
• Shutdown Anaerobic Digester
• Under Construction/Unknown Anaerobic Digester
• Environmental Risk Categorization (Western Electricity Coordinating Council)
• Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool (CHAT, Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies)
• BLM Administrative Areas
• Ecological risk to sensitive aquatic and riparian species at the HUC12 level due to water use for the western U.S.
• Ecological risk to sensitive aquatic and riparian species at the HUC 8 level due to water use for the western U.S.
• Greater Sage-Grouse General Habitat Management Area Wind Allocations
• Greater Sage-Grouse Priority Habitat Management Area Wind Allocations
• Sagebrush Focal Areas Wind Allocations
• Greater Sage-Grouse General Habitat Management Area Solar Allocations
• Greater Sage-Grouse Priority Habitat Management Area Solar Allocations
• Sagebrush Focal Areas Solar Allocations
• 17 layers that have various current and future water availability data.
Updated and Extended Layers
The following mapping layers were updated and extended to a U.S. extent:
• Surface Water Flow - NHDPlus Version 2
• Water Bodies
• Concentrating Solar Direct Normal Potential
• Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) Potential
• Photovoltaic Potential
• Tilted Photovoltaic Potential
• Watershed
• Wind Turbine Site
• WindFarm - USGS Energy Resources Program
• Stream / River
The following new layers were added:
• Surface Management Agency
• Solar Energy Zones
• Environmental Risk Categorization (Western Electricity Coordinating Council)
Updated and Extended Layers
The following mapping layers were updated and extended to a U.S. extent:
• Airport
• Airport Runway
• Alternative Fuel Station
• Census Tract
• County Boundary
• Major Road
• Military Installation Point
• Populated Place
• Railroads
• State Boundary
• Transmission Line - Existing
• Transmission Line - Planned
• Urban Area
The following new layers were added:
• Congressional District (114th)
• Military Installation Area
• Seismic Risk (2% in 50 years)
• Seismic Risk (AK) (10% in 50 years)
• Seismic Risk (HI) (10% in 50 years)
Electrical Transmission Report Updated
The Electrical Transmission Report has been updated and extended to run for the full North American extent of the electrical transmission line data from Platts.
Water Resource Data Added
Four layers: Water Availability, Water Cost, Water Areas of Concern, and Water Consumptive Use, have been added to the EZMT mapping library. The data were developed by Sandia National Laboratories and provide results at the 8-digit hydrologic unit level (HUC8) for the eastern U.S. An EZMT report to provide results for user-specified areas based on this information is under development.
Updated Web Pages
Content on the EZMT home page, and other sub-pages was reviewed and updated, particularly to reflect the increased geographic scope.
New Energy Infrastructure and Related Data
The following energy infrastructure layers, and related themes, have been added to the EZMT Mapping Library, all from the U.S. Energy Information Administration:
• Biodiesel Plants
• Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Import/Export Terminals
• Natural Gas Processing Plants
• Natural Gas Underground Storage
• Petroleum Refineries
• Pipelines - Crude Oil
• Pipelines - Hydocarbon Gas Liquid (HGL)
• Pipelines - Natural Gas
• Pipelines - Petroleum Product
• Power Plants
• Sedimentary Basins with EIA Shale Plays
• Strategic Petroleum Reserves
• Tight Oil/Shale Gas Plays
Updates to Commercially Licensed Data
Due to expiration of the commercial license on March 15:
• The following Platts mapping layers were removed: Power Plants, Substations, Pipelines (including Natural Gas, Crude Oil, and Refined Products)
• Modeling layers based on the layers above were removed from the modeling library and default model configurations.
• Reports which used the removed data have been removed, and are in the process of being revised to use new non-commercial sources where they exist and are of sufficient quality. Affected reports include: Corridor, Electrical Transmission, Existing Hydropower Dams, Pipeline, Power Plants, and Pulverized Coal.
• New non-commercial replacements to the mapping and modeling libraries for some of the removed information will be added shortly.
Please contact [email protected] with questions, comments, or suggestions for alternative data sources that could be added.
Pending Energy Infrastructure Data Changes
Several significant changes will be made to the energy infrastructure data in the EZMT:
• Due to expiration of the commercial license on March 15, the following Platts mapping layers will be removed: Power Plants, Substations, Pipelines (including Natural Gas, Crude Oil, and Refined Products)
• The Platts transmission line layers (planned and existing) will be renewed for another year and kept available
• See the Utility category in the mapping data library for many non-commercial layers that will remain.
• Modeling layers based on removed data will also be removed, including Distance to (any) Pipelines, and Distance to Substation
• The best available non-commercial data for the removed layers, will be added, many from the DOE Energy Information Administration.
• Power plant and corridor suitability models will be updated to remove or replace the removed modeling layers.
• Modified default/system models will be recomputed.
• Reports and report sections depending on removed data will be removed or updated with non-commercial sources: Affected reports include: Corridor, Electrical Transmission, Existing Hydropower Dams, Pipeline, Power Plants, and Pulverized Coal
Please contact [email protected] with questions, comments, or suggestions for alternative data sources that could be added.
Wind Resource Data and Model Changes
Several changes were made to the wind resource data and wind turbine models:
• New wind resource layers were added to the mapping library (see previous news item)
• Wind resource data in the mapping and modeling library from AWS Truepower was removed, due to expiration of the commercial license
• New wind resources were added to the modeling library
• The system/default land-based and offshore wind turbine models for 80m and 100m heights were updated to use the new resource data
• Saved model results using the AWS data are still available, but have to be switched to use the new layers if they are revised/recomputed using the model results "gear" icon
Please contact [email protected] with questions or comments.
New Wind Speed Data
New layers for annual average wind speed have been added for 80m and 100m heights. The layers cover North America and are derived from results computed at Argonne using the Advanced Research WRF (ARW) Version 3.7 modeling system.
EZMT will be Extended to the U.S.
Updates to extend the mapping layers and reports in the EZMT to cover the entire United States have started. As a first step, the Platts energy infrastructure layers in the mapping library were updated, including power plants, transmission lines, substations, and pipelines. These layers also extend into Canada and Mexico.
New Jersey Wind Energy Area Lease Layer Added
A new layer which represents the two Wind Energy Area (WEA) leases which will go up for auction on November 9th, 2015 has been added to the website. For more information on the layer please visit: http://www.boem.gov/New-Jersey/
For more information on the auction, please visit: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-auction-344000-acres-offshore-new-jersey-wind-energy-development?utm_source=DOI+Press+Release%3A+NJ+FSN&utm_campaign=VA+Research+Lease+%232&utm_medium=email
New Ridgeline Layer
A new layer has been added to the EZ Mapping tool which represents major ridgelines at a 1km scale in the United States. The layer has been added to the main data catalog and is also available as a modeling layer which can be added to land-based wind turbine models. This layer is from Wind Prospector at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory ( https://maps.nrel.gov/wind-prospector/ )
New EZMT YouTube Channel
Instructional videos and recorded demonstrations about the EZMT are now available on our Energy Zones Mapping Tool YouTube Channel.
Recording Available: Energy Planning and Climate Change
A recording of the August 26, 2015 webinar on "Energy Planning and Climate Change" is available here: https://youtu.be/-toeAM9141I.
Webcast Demo: Wednesday, August 26, at 2:00 pm Central
Energy Planning and Climate Change
A webinar demonstration of the Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Wednesday, August 26, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/ezmt_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This demonstration will highlight the recently added climate change data based on the 2014 National Climate Assessment, and the climate change report which facilitates analysis of climate-energy issues for user-defined areas.
Climate Change Report Added
As part of a broader task to increase the energy-water capabilities of the EZMT, a new Climate Change
Report has been added. Data cited in the 2014
National Climate Assessment (NCA) relevant to energy planning was also gathered and added as
mapping layers. The new report samples the layers in a user-specified area and provides a concise
summary of the following topics: projected temperature change and cooling degree days, sea level rise,
water stress, and flood magnitude trends. The report also includes excerpts from the 2014 NCA with
links to the document itself.
The 2014 NCA summarizes the impacts of climate change in the United States and projects the effects
we can expect in the future. It was written by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP),
which resulted from the Global Change Research Act of 1990. Representatives from 13 U.S. federal
agencies participate in the program, and the NCA is updated every four years.
Interface Update for Models
An option to run models as draft (faster/lower resolution) or final (slower/higher resolution) was added to the Model Launcher dialog. The option applies to, power plant models, corridor suitability models, corridor routes generated from endpoints, and any user-defined model.
The draft models run at 1km resolution, and final models run at 250m resolution. When generating corridors from endpoints, final runs require an input corridor suitability model run with final quality.
EZMT Featured in White House Report
In a new report published by the Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, "Modernizing Our Electric Transmission Infrastructure and Driving the Development of Clean Energy", the Energy Zones Mapping Tool is listed as a tool to "enable transmission planners and regulatory officials to study and compare alternative transmission line routes more efficiently and systematically".
Recording Available: Planning a Potential Energy Zone
A recording of the July 28 webinar "Planning a Potential Energy Zone" is available here: https://youtu.be/yB717t9hEmo
Webcast Demo: Tuesday, July 28, at 2:00 pm Central
Planning a Potential Energy Zone
A webinar demonstration of the Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, July 28, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/ezmt_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This demonstration will show how to use models to locate a potential energy zone suitable for several different technologies, study the location with the analysis tools, and generate potential corridor routes linking it to the transmission grid.
New River Temperature Model (NE) Layer
A new layer was added, depicting the results of a Thermoelectric Power & Thermal Pollution Model (TP2M) for the northeast U.S. TP2M is a simulation model that simultaneously quantifies thermal pollution of rivers and estimates efficiency losses in electricity generation as a result of fluctuating intake temperatures and river flows typically encountered across the temperate zone. Results include estimated monthly and annual average temperature changes due to power plants for 2000 to 2010. The scope of the modeling includes rivers with discharges of at least 5 cubic meters/second, and results are computed at a 5 km cell resolution.
Recording Available: New Corridor Route Generation Tool
A recording of the June 30 webinar "New Corridor Route Generation Tool" is available at:https://youtu.be/u2zZ60JHOI4.
Recent Updates
The following mapping layers were added:
• Viewshed Sample: Appalachian Trail
• Aqueduct Water Risk
• Aqueduct Water Stress Projections
The following modeling layer was added:
• Viewshed Sample: Appalachian Trail
Interface updates:
• Populated default parameters for corridor suitability model input layers
• Added three corridor suitability default models
• Improvements to corridor suitability models and route generation
• Released new corridor tools to all users.
Protected Lands Layer Updated
The Protected Lands layer has been updated with protection level changes to several different Federal property classifications. The default models for each energy type have been updated with this change.
Webcast Demo: Tuesday, June 30, at 2:00 pm Central
New Corridor Route Generation Tool
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, June 30, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/ezmt_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This demonstration will feature the recently-released tools to generate potential energy corridor routes using a modeling process.
Recording Available: Generating and Using Reports
A recording of the May 26 webinar "Generating and Using Reports" is available here:https://youtu.be/bw9gRxGPTfs
Webcast Demo: Tuesday, May 26, at 2:00 pm Central
Generating and Using Reports
This webinar about reports in the Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, May 26, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/ezmt_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
The Energy Zone Mapping Tool provides reports on many topics, and they can be used to analyze energy resources, energy infrastructure, siting constraints and opportunities, and model results. We will demonstrate each report with real-world examples of using them for analysis.
New Map Layers
The following map layers have been added.
• Projected Temperature Change
• Trends in Flood Magnitude - Positive
• Trends in Flood Magnitude - Negative
Recording Available: Corridor Analysis
A recording of the March 26 webinar "Corridor Analysis" is available here: https://youtu.be/adYea_6uYkQ
Updated User Interface
Version 4.0 of the user interface has been released with the following changes:
• The Areas/Corridors tool has been separated into Areas, and Corridors,
• The Corridor Tools dialog now has two tabs, one for saving user corridors, and one for corridor suitability models,
• New corridor suitability models and ability to generate a corridor from two endpoints will be enabled soon,
• A Print tool was added,
• Notification messages when reports and models are launched and when they finish, and
• Several other user interface improvements were made.
New and Updated Map Layers
The following map layers have been added or updated.
New:
• Cooling Degree Day - Lower Emissions (2021-2050)
• Cooling Degree Day - Lower Emissions (2070-2099)
• Cooling Degree Day - Higher Emissions (2021-2050)
• Cooling Degree Day - Higher Emissions (2070-2099)
• Digital Elevation Model
• Proposed Global Important Bird Areas
• Global Important Bird Areas
• Critical Bird Habitat (ESA-Listed)
• Corridors and Key Habitat Areas
Updated:
• National Register of Historic Places (Polygon)
• National Register of Historic Places (Point)
• EPA Renewable Energy Sites, which was renamed to EPA Brownfield Sites (RE-Powering America's Land)
Print Tool Added
A print tool has been added to the mapping interface. It uses the extent and layers in the current map and generates a PDF. Formatting choices include letter or landscape sizes, landscape or portrait orientation, and three resolution settings.
Webcast Demo: Thursday, March 26, at 2:00 pm Central
Corridor Analysis
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Thursday, March 26, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This one-hour demonstration will focus on analyzing planned or potential electrical transmission and pipeline corridors, including how obstacles can be identified and avoided early in the planning process.
Update on Commercially-Licensed Data
Three sources/sets of commercially-licensed data have been available in this tool. Licenses for most of the data were recently extended for another year, but some have been removed to save costs:
- Platts:
- Continuing: Power plants, substations, transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, crude oil pipelines, and refined products pipelines.
- Removed: ISO zones, electric planning areas, electric IOU service territories, electric non-IOU service territories, natural gas storage facilities, and liquefied natural gas import terminals.
- AWS Truepower:
- Continuing: Land and offshore annual wind speed, power density, and capacity factor for 80m and 100m heights.
- NatureServe:
- Removed: Imperiled species layer and associated functionality.
Recording Available: Highlight on Natural Gas
A recording of the February 24 webinar "Highlight on Natural Gas" is available here: https://youtu.be/cxSnES6ITwU
Updated Map Layers
The following map layers have been updated:
• Transmission Line – Existing
• Transmission Line – Planned
• Substation
• Refined Product Pipeline – Existing
• Refined Product Pipeline – Proposed
• Power Plant – Existing
• Power Plant – Planned
• Power Plant - Not Operational/Unknown
• Natural Gas Pipeline – Existing
• Natural Gas Pipeline – Proposed
• Crude Oil Pipeline – Existing
• Crude Oil Pipeline – Proposed
• Potential Retrofitted Pulverized Coal Plant
• Existing Hydropower Dam (At least 50MW)
Webcast Demo: Tuesday, February 24, at 2:00 pm Central
Highlight on Natural Gas
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, February 24, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This one-hour demonstration will highlight natural gas data, reports, models, and policies in the system and how use to the tool for energy planning and analysis in the Natural Gas sector.
Policy Webinar Recording Available
A Wednesday, January 28, 2015 webinar covered the database of public policies information in the Energy Zones Mapping Tool. The database contains information on all the public policies that are relevant to clean energy development in the various states within the Eastern Interconnection. The presentation was given by Warren Leon, Executive Director of the Clean Energy States Alliance, and Heather Rhoads-Weaver, Founder of eFormative Options. They covered how the inventory of policies was compiled, demonstrated how the database can be used to find specific policies, and also discussed trends in state energy policy that affect clean energy development.
The recording is available at https://youtu.be/8PYvN8Wegno or http://www.naruc.org/Grants/EISPC/2015-01-28-1458Webinar_The-EISPC-Energy-Zones-Policies-Database.wmv.
Webcast Demo: Thursday January 29, at 2:00 pm Central
Tour of the Mapping Library
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Thursday, January 29, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This one-hour demonstration will be a tour of the the mapping library, which has over 260 map layers available for your use, including energy resource and infrastructure, environmental, siting factors, references, and many others. Most layers can be downloaded, and all have metadata describing their sources and other details.
Webinar: EISPC Energy Zones Policies Database
Please join us on Wednesday, Jan 28th at 3 pm ET for a webinar presentation on a database of public policies information in the Energy Zones Mapping Tool. The database contains information on all the public policies that are relevant to clean energy development in the various states within the Eastern Interconnection. The presentation will be given by Warren Leon, Executive Director of the Clean Energy States Alliance, and Heather Rhoads-Weaver, Founder of eFormative Options. They will cover how the inventory of policies was compiled, demonstrate how the database can be used to find specific policies, and also discuss trends in state energy policy that affect clean energy development.
Registration:
Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6083611394464617218
Webinar ID: 128-646-419
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
State Policy Summaries Updated
State-level policy summaries have been updated in the policy search page. To view a state summary, choose one of the states in the County/State/Province list and click Search. A link to that state's summary will be included at the top of the search results.
New and Updated Mapping and Modeling Layers
An "FAA Navigation Aid" layer was added to the mapping layer catalog.
The following new modeling layers were added to the model layer catalog:
• Distance to Planned Transmission
• Distance to Planned Natural Gas Pipeline (>= 12 inch)
• Distance to Air Navigation (DME, NDB)
• Distance to Air Navigation (VOR, TACAN)
Also, in preparation for corridor modeling, units in all "distance to" modeling layers were changed from miles to meters, and existing default model configurations were changed accordingly to offset the change.
Webcast Demo: Tuesday December 16, at 2:00 pm Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, December 16, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This one-hour demonstration will highlight issues related to energy and water, including the data and analysis capabilities in the tool now, and planned enhancements.
New Map Layers
The following map layers have been added to the EZ Mapping Tool:
• National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
• Nationwide Rivers Inventory
• Renewable Energy Leasing Area
• Thermoelectric Power Plant Water Use (2010)
Updated Models and Modeling Layers
All of the suitability models and many of the model layers have been revised to match the updated mapping library layers available in the tool. The pre-computed default model runs that are accessible in the Results window of the tool were also updated. Updated model layers include:
• Existing transmission lines (several capacity levels)
• Planned transmission lines (new layer)
• Existing natural gas pipelines
• Planned natural gas pipelines (new layer)
• 100-year flood plains
• Ports
• Airports
• Land cover
• Habitat
• Protected areas
• Imperiled species
Webcast Demonstration: Wednesday November 19, at 2:00 pm Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Wednesday, November 19, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This one-hour demonstration will highlight the corridor analysis capabilities currently in the tool and more about the planned corridor enhancements.
Interface Improvements
Improvements to the user interface were released to improve performance. The changes resolve slow loading and updates of Library, Areas/Corridors, Analyze, and Results dialogs.
Updated Map Layers
The following map layers have been updated:
• Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitat Assessment (NC)
• Crude Oil Pipeline - Existing
• Crude Oil Pipeline - Proposed
• Natural Gas Pipeline - Existing
• Natural Gas Pipeline - Proposed
• Power Plant - Existing
• Power Plant - Not Operational/Unknown
• Power Plant - Planned
• Refined Product Pipeline - Existing
• Refined Product Pipeline - Proposed
• Substation
• Transmission Line - Existing
• Transmission Line - Planned
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday August 26, at 2:00 pm Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, August 26, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This demonstration will highlight solar energy resource data, and utility-scale concentrating solar and photovoltaic suitability models.
Recorded Wind Energy Demo Available
The July 29 webinar about the EISPC EZ Mapping Tool was recorded, and can be accessed at https://youtu.be/rrlCKxyZ-0c. This session provides a short introduction to the project and web site, followed by a demonstration of the wind energy data and models in the tool.
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday July 29, at 2:00 pm Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, July 29, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This demonstration will highlight wind energy data, models, and reports.
Updated Map Layers
The following map layers have been updated:
• Imperiled Species
• National Conservation Easement Database
• Wind Turbine Site
• Transmission Line – Existing
• Transmission Line – Planned
• Substation
• Refined Product Pipeline – Existing
• Refined Product Pipeline – Proposed
• Power Plant – Existing
• Power Plant – Planned
• Power Plant - Not Operational/Unknown
• Natural Gas Pipeline – Existing
• Natural Gas Pipeline – Proposed
• Crude Oil Pipeline – Existing
• Crude Oil Pipeline – Proposed
• Potential Retrofitted Pulverized Coal Plant
• Existing Hydropower Dam (At least 50MW)
1,000 Users Registered
On June 27, 2014 registration for the EISPC Energy Zones Mapping Tool reached 1,000 users.
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday, June 24, 2:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, June 24, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#. The webinar will highlight the Policies, Regulations, and Incentives database, and the Clean Energy States Alliance will help present it.
User Registration Reaches 900
On May 15, 2015 registration for the EISPC Energy Zones Mapping Tool reached 900 users.
Updated Map Layers
The following map layers have been updated:
• Landscape Permeability Flow Model
• National Register of Historic Places (Point)
• National Register of Historic Places (Polygon)
• windFarm – USGS Energy Resource Program
• Natural Gas Storage Facility
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal
• Independent System Operator (ISO) Zone
• Electric Planning Areas
• Electric Non-Investor Owned Utility (NonIOU) Service Territory
• Electric Investor Owned Utility (IOU) Service Territory
• National Land Cover Database (2011 Edition)
• Conservation Opportunity Area (MO)
• Natural Heritage Area (NC)
• Focus Area of Ecological Significance (ME)
• Important Bird Area
• Southeast Resilience Project
• Conserved Land (NH)
• Conserved Land (ME)
• Mountain Treasures Area
• Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species and Significant Community (VT)
• Natural Heritage Inventory Managed Area (OK)
• Natural Heritage Area (RI)
• Critical Habitat Area
• State Claimed Water Body (LA)
• Florida Conservation Land (FL)
• State Owned/Leased Land (LA)
• Natural Area (DE)
• Florida Forever Board of Trustees Project Area (FL)
• Natural Diversity Database (CT)
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday, April 22, 2:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, April 22, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This demonstration will highlight biomass energy data, models, and reports.
Updated Map Layers
The following map layers have been updated:
• Airport
• Airport Runway
• Alternative Fuel Station
• Atlantic OCS Wind Energy Area
• Coastal Barrier Resources System
• County Boundary
• Crude Oil Pipeline – Existing
• Crude Oil Pipeline - Proposed
• Ecoregional Portfolio
• Environmental Hazard Site
• FWS Specially Designated Area
• Indian Reservation
• Major Road
• Marine Port
• National Conservation Easement Database
• National Park Service Boundary
• Natural Gas Pipeline – Existing
• Natural Gas Pipeline - Proposed
• Navigable Waterway Network
• Potential Retrofitted Pulverized Coal Plant
• Railroad
• Refined Product Pipeline – Existing
• Refined Product Pipeline - Proposed
• Scenic Byway
• State Boundary
• Transmission Line – Existing
• Transmission Line - Planned
• U.S. Populated Place
• Urban Area
• Watershed
• Wilderness Area
• Wind Turbine Site
Webcast Demonstration: Thursday, March 20, 2:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Thursday, March 20, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This demonstration will highlight the many reports in the tool and how they can be used for analysis.
Recent Updates
• Updated help content (hardcopy and four new videos)
• New Pipeline report
• New EPA Brownfields report
• Updated Habitat, and Protected Lands Report (summary graph)
• Updated Corridor report (added population section)
• Updaded map layers: Platts natural gas, crude oil, and refined product pipelines
• Miscellaneous interface improvements
• Twelve new biomass models have been added to the Analysis: Models interface, with corresponding Model Layer Catalog resource layers:
Biomass Co-fire with Existing Coal Plant:
• Logged Others
• Logged Residue
• Logging Thinnings
• Milling Residues
• Urban Wood/Construction/Demolition Debris
• Urban Wood/Municipal Solid Waste
New Biomass-fired Plant with Traditional Combustion:
• Logged Others
• Logged Residue
• Logging Thinnings
• Milling Residues
• Urban Wood/Construction/Demolition Debris
• Urban Wood/Municipal Solid Waste
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday, February 25, 2:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, February 25, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This session will highlight recent updates and natural-gas models and reports.
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday, January 28, 2:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, January 28, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_tool_demo.
Audio is either via the webinar, or phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
This session will concentrate primarily on running models and evaluating results.
Webcast Demonstration: Thursday, December 12, 2:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Thursday, December 12, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc131212.
Audio is by phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
Recent Updates
Recently released updates include:
• Updated technology summary pages
• Updated state summaries for policy queries
• Synergy models can now be reviewed with the gear icon and re-run with modifications
• Added final report to Documents page
• Updated "distance to" modeling layers for transmission and substations
• Updated default models
• Added 14 raster layers to downloadable GIS data
Slope Layer Deleted from Land-based Wind Models
Comparison of existing wind turbine locations from the FAA database vs. the default land-based wind turbine models showed that slope was causing areas with existing ridge-line wind farms to have low suitability. Slope was eliminated from the default land-based wind turbine model parameters and pre-computed system models. If desired, slope (or any other input modeling layer) can be added in user-defined models.
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday, November 12, 2:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, November 12, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc131112.
Audio is by phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
Updated Map Layers and Modeling Layers
The following map layers have been updated:
• Environmental Hazard Site
• Wilderness Area
• National Conservation Easement Database
• Important Bird Areas
• Transmission Line
• Substation
• Refined Product Pipeline
• Power Plant – Planned
• Power Plant – Not Operational/Unknown
• Power Plant – Existing
• Natural Gas Pipeline
• Existing Hydropower Dam (at least 50 MW)
• Crude Oil Pipeline
• Habitats of Particular Concern
• Essential Fish Habitat
• Navigational Aid
• Submarine Cable
• Anchorage Area
• Wind Turbine Site
In addition, the following model layers have been updated:
• Distance to Transmission (>= 115kV)
• Distance to Transmission (>= 220V)
• Distance to Transmission (>= 345kV)
• Distance to Transmission (>= 500kV)
• Distance to Transmission (>= 735kV)
• Distance to Transmission (DC)
• Distance to Substations
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday, October 22, 2:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, October 22, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to access the webinar: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc131022
Audio is by phone: 877-685-5350, access code 853223#.
Shapefile Download Capability Added
A "Download Shapefile" action was added to the Map Layer Catalog. This function downloads a .zip file of the selected layer, including GIS data files, metadata, and field descriptions. Some layers cannot be provided for download due licensing which does not allow redistribution from this web site. While the mapping library is maintained to keep data current, most layers are available from their original sources. We recommend reviewing the included metadata to determine the original source, and checking with that source for newer data or more information. Also, creators of the original source data may have additional citation requests or requirements described in the metadata.
Webcast Training Seminar: Thursday, September 12, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Central
A free two-hour EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool training seminar will be presented on Thursday, September 12, at 11am ET/10am CT/9am MT.
The training seminar will include instruction on mapping tool functions, such as adding and removing data layers, and running suitability models and reports.
Presenters will demonstrate examples and provide participants with the opportunity to observe how to use the mapping tool to analyze regions and technologies of interest.
Time will be provided to answer questions. Class size is limited and registration is required.
Use the following link to register: https://www.regonline.com/EZMappingToolTrain-Sept12.
New Features Added
New features include:
• Model Result Report: This new report lists results for a user-specified area, detailing the results of any suitability model. Graphs provide a visual summary of the model output and each input layer, providing quick insight into how each input layer contributed to the outcome. The report also documents all the input layers, weights, and suitability values used for the model run.
• User-Defined Models: Any layer in the Model Layer Catalog can now be added to an existing model, or used to design a completely new model.
• Synergy Models: The Model Launcher now supports Synergy Models to map the suitability of multiple technologies. Previously run models can be combined and individually weighted to produce a single composite map. For example, combining models for wind turbines, solar PV, and geothermal would help identify locations that could accommodate all of these technologies. The Final Report to be released in September will provide added guidance about positive and negative synergies of collocating power plants of different types.
Webcast Training Seminar: Thursday, August 29 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Central
A free two-hour EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool training seminar will be presented on Thursday, August 29, at 11am ET/10am CT/9am MT.
The training seminar will include instruction on mapping tool functions, such as adding and removing data layers, and running suitability models and reports.
Presenters will demonstrate examples and provide participants with the opportunity to observe how to use the mapping tool to analyze regions and technologies of interest. Time will be provided to answer questions. Class size is limited and registration is required.
Use the following link to register: http://www.regonline.com/EZMappingToolTrain-Aug29. Please email Donna Brunner of Argonne National Laboratory at [email protected] if you have questions.
Recorded presentation from Virtual Coastal Geotools Conference available
A 20-minute presentation about the EISPC Energy Zones Mapping Tool was presented on June 21, 2013 for the Virtual Coastal Geotools Conference.
The schedule and abstract are available at http://geotools.csc.noaa.gov/Pages/program.aspx under the Thursday tab.
The recorded presentation is available at https://noaacsc.adobeconnect.com/_a1005979616/p6gkp77ak25/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal, starting at 31:22.
Demand-Response Report Added
The new Demand-Response report lists, by state, results of the Navigant Consulting, Inc. Assessment of Demand-Side Resources within the Eastern Interconnection.
The report includes energy efficiency, demand-response, energy storage, distributed generation, and smart grid estimates for 2012-2030.
Webcast Demonstration: Thursday, July 25, 10:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Thursday, July 25, at 11am ET/10am CT/9am MT.
Use the following link to register: http://www.regonline.com/EZMappingToolDemo-July25.
Default Models Added to Results Window
Default suitability model results have been completed for each energy technology. These are found in the “Results” window. Users can now view any model without having to run it first by adding these layers to your map.
Added Habitat Report
Added habitat report which is based on over 70 different regional and local mapping layers, and corresponds to the composite habitat layer used in the suitability models.
Added Corridor Tool and Report
Analysis Areas have been extended to include a tool to draw corridors using a line and a width in feet.
A corridor report was added which lists a wide variety of information for screening-level assessment of corridors.
Natural Gas Models Added
Suitability models for natural gas were added, including:
- New Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT),
- Above-ground Natural Gas Storage, and
- Underground Natural Gas Storage.
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday, July 9, 10:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Tuesday, July 9, at 11am ET/10am CT/9am MT.
Use the following link to register: http://www.regonline.com/EZMappingToolDemo-July9.
Classroom Mapping Tool Training Session - Denver, July 21, 8:30 a.m.
A free EISPC Energy Zones Mapping Tool hands‐on training session will be held during the NARUC Summer Committee Meetings in Denver, Colorado.
Training will include instruction on mapping tool functions, such as adding and removing data layers, and running models and reports.
Trainers will demonstrate example case studies and provide participants with the opportunity to use the tool to analyze regions and technologies of interest to them.
Class size is limited and registration is required.
Please email Donna Brunner of Argonne National Laboratory at [email protected] to register.
Those who would like to attend this training on Sunday July 21, 2013 are invited to apply for a Reimbursement Authorization for Travel (RAFT) and should contact Sharon Thomas, Program Officer at NARUC ([email protected]). RAFTs will be awarded on a first‐come, first‐served basis.
New Biomass and Natural Gas Models
Two new biomass models and a natural gas model have been added. The biomass models represent a new biomass-fired plant with traditional combustion and a biomass plant co-fired with an existing coal plant. The natural gas model is for a new combined-cycle gas turbine plant.
Help Pages and Videos Added
Help features including descriptive pages and videos have been added to the web site and the mapping tool. From the web pages, access help through the menu at the top right. Within the tool, access help through the splash screen that appears when the tool is launched. This window can be reopened by clicking "Help" at the top right of the page.
Hands-on Training Session at NARUC Summer Committee Meetings
A free EISPC Energy Zones Mapping Tool hands-on training session will be held during the NARUC Summer Committee Meetings in Denver, Colorado.
The training session will be held on Sunday, July 21, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Training will include instruction on mapping tool functions, such as adding and removing data layers, and running models and reports.
Trainers will demonstrate example case studies and provide participants the opportunity to use the tool to analyze regions and technologies of interest to them.
Do not miss this opportunity to obtain expert assistance using the EISPC Energy Zones Mapping Tool and discover how it can improve the efficiency of clean energy planning for the Eastern Interconnection.
Class size is limited and registration is required. Please e-mail Donna Brunner of Argonne National Laboratory at [email protected] to register.
Webcast Demonstration: Thursday, May 23, 11:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Thursday, May 23, at noon ET/11am CT/10am MT.
Use the following link to register: http://www.regonline.com/EZMappingToolDemo-May23.
Webcast Demonstration: Wednesday, May 15, 2:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the EISPC Energy Zone Mapping Tool will be presented on Wednesday, May 15, at 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT.
Use the following link to register: http://www.regonline.com/EZMappingToolDemo-May15.
Webcast Demonstration: Tuesday April 30, 10:00 Central
A one-hour webinar demonstration of the recent updates will be presented on Tuesday, April 30 at 11am ET/10am CT/9am MT.
The demonstration will concentrate on recent improvements to the tool interface, the policy database, new data layers, and using the tool for its primary purpose: identifying areas with high-density clean energy resources that could provide significant new power generation from a diverse set of energy resources and power production technologies.
To access the webinar browse to http://anl.adobeconnect.com/eispc_seminar, choose “Enter as a Guest”, provide your name, and click “Enter Room”.
For audio, use one of the following numbers, and enter the participant code:
US (Toll): 1-719-234-7800, or
US (Toll Free): 1-888-850-4523.
Participant Code: 766042.
New Scale Limitations - Energy Infrastructure Data
The energy infrastructure data within the EISPC EZ Mapping Tool now have scale limitations (scale dependencies). When a user zooms in beyond scale level twelve (1:136,494), while viewing energy infrastructure data, the layer(s) will stop displaying. In addition, the layer(s) legend in the table of contents will collapse.
New Interface
Version 3.0 of the mapping tool has been released with an improved user interface, and the web pages are now publicly accessible.
Temporarily Removed Utility Layers
Energy infrastructure layers (all layers in the Utilities category) including the Bentek Energy/Platts data were temporary removed from the mapping library until limits to the level of detail of mapping displays can be implemented and approved.
EPA Renewable Energy Site Data - Now Available
Added EPA Renewable Energy Site Data from the U.S. EPA's RE-Powering America's Land Initiative.
New Field (Alias) Descriptions - Now Available
A number of layers now have more detailed field (alias) descriptions when using the identify tool.
New Marine Tidal Hydrokinetic Model
The Water: Marine Tidal Hydrokinetic model was added.
Updated Transmission Line Styles - Now Available
Updated transmission line styles have been added. Users can choose display transmission line capacity ranges on the map (ex. 220 kV lines and greater, 345 kV lines and greater, etc.) by right-clicking on the transmission line layer in the table of contents, choosing Layer Properties, and using the Styles tab to change the style.
New CAES Model
New compressed air energy storage model added.
New Imperiled Species Model Layer
The Imperiled Species modeling layer has now been added to each of the draft models.
New GIS Data Layers - Now Available
Added new GIS data including:
- FERC Pending Hydrokinetic Project Permits,
- FERC Issued Hydrokinetic Project Permits, and
- Wastewater Treatment Facilities.
Added Four Reports
Added draft reports:
- Wave energy
- Added output from existing dams
- Retrofitted pulverized coal, and
- Biomass - Methane from animal manure
Added Two Draft Wind Models
Added draft models for onshore and offshore wind power.
New Field (Alias) Descriptions - Now Available
A number of layers now have more detailed field (alias) descriptions when using the identify tool.
New GIS Data Layers - Now Available
Added new GIS data including the National Land Cover Database, National Ambient Air Quality Standard Area - Sulfur Dioxide, PM 10, and Carbon Monoxide.
Added Six New Reports
Added six new reports for:
- Protected Lands
- Electrical Transmission
- Power Plants
- Biomass Landfill
- Biomass Methane from Water Treatment Plants
- Pumped Storage
Added Three Draft Coal Models
Added draft coal models including:
• New Pulverized Coal,
• New Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle,
• New Coal Fluidized Bed.
New GIS Data Layers - Now Available
Added new GIS data including:
• LandScan™ population density,
• surface water flow, and
• various updates to screening/informational layers.
New Environmental Data - Now Available
Added new environmental GIS data including:
• Focal Areas of Conservation Significance,
• Green Infrastructure Network Characterization,
• Southeastern Ecological Framework Model,
• Landscape Permeability Flow Model,
• Ecoregional Portfolio, and the
• National Conservation Easement Database.
Geothermal Resource Data - Now Available
Added two National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) geopressured energy potential resource map layers.
Platts/Bentek Power Plant Data - New Structure
The power plant data has been restructured. There are now three power plant layers that have been broken out by status (existing, planned, and not operational/unknown). New symbology styles have also been added to allow the user to look at individual resource power plants.
Added Draft Nuclear Models
Added draft nuclear models including:
• large light-water reactor,
• integral pressurized-water reactor, and
• high-temperature gas cooled reactor.
Tidal Resource Data - Now Available
Added two Georgia Tech - Savannah tidal resource map layers.
Added Two Draft Geothermal Models
Added draft Geothermal EGS and Geopressured models to the tool.
Added Solar CSP Model
Added draft Solar CSP model to the tool.
Energy Resource Summaries
Added energy resource summary pages to web site.
Wind Resource Data - Now Available
Added six AWS Truepower wind resource map layers.
Draft Mapping Tool Launched
• Draft model, energy zone, & report tools.
• Solar PV model. Pumped Storage report.
Environmental Data - Now Available
Added environmental data provided by the NGO Caucus.
Platts/Bentek Energy Infrastructure Data - Now Available
Added Energy Infrastructure Data to the EISPC EZ Mapping Tool.
New GIS Data Layers Available
Added new GIS data including wave energy and various screening/informational layers.
Version 1.3 Update
Added federal system warning banner, glossary, documents content, survey, and data page thumbnails and abstract support.
Version 1.2 Update
• Implemented Data and User Community pages.
• Other minor fixes and enhancements.
Version 1.1 Update
• Added static maps page with PDF maps of energy resource data, and dynamic news items (for internal use).
• Changed default base maps to MapQuest.
• Continued refinements to catalog of map layers, and map symbology.
Version 1.0 Launched
Version 1.0 of the EISPC EZ Mapping Tool has been launched!