Analysis of Baja California Sur Renewable Integration Study

Climate crisis in the modern era gets worse and worse each day. Scientists and environmentalists among many other advocates for global warming have been encouraging the public to make greener choices as frequently as possible. However, corporations can make huge positive impacts by ditching fossil fuels and replacing them with renewable sources that do not pollute the air and harm public health. BCS, also known as Baja California Sur, is a Mexican state located alongside the Gulf of California. A study was conducted on BSC as Mexico intended to use 35% of their electricity through the use of clean sources by 2024. The professional technical report supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory had an amusing way of incorporating the eight elements, which include Title, Abstract, Introduction, Materials/Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion and Acknowledgement.

The famous saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but the title alone can make an impact on a reader’s decision to read or not. According to Technical Communications, a good title should be informative & effective, which usually tends to be longer than usual. The current title does not show insight of their findings, which would help the audience recognize if the study discusses their interests. However, the simplicity of the words targets the general public. An alternate headline I would like to suggest is, “Baja California Sur Conducts Study On Impacts of Increased Penetration of Wind and Solar Power.”

An Abstract, or brief summary, can be written under the headline of, “Executive Summary,” like this report. The Twelfth Edition of Technical Communications suggested an ideal abstract summarizes each section in a few sentences. Similarly, the report starts off by discussing the reasons behind conducting this study, Mexico’s goal. Then findings are presented in a list for readers to find it valuable. One missing aspect was methodology, which was crucial. It left me confused because I was unable to connect the puzzle in my head as to how this research was being conducted. The writers possibly thought to do into detail later on, however I found it unpurposed since it does not reflect the lab as a whole, only certain parts of it.

The purpose of the third element, the introduction, is to highlight the importance of their work. I believe that task was accomplished because the report states, “Studying the impact of wind and solar power on power system operations is interesting and challenging because of the variable and uncertain nature of wind and solar resources.” It is stated in a general manner implying this research can help places beyond BCS with similar goals looking to use renewable energy sources. The Union of Concerned Scientists called out major corporations for ignoring the hindering effects of fossil fuels on global warming. BCS’ research findings were proven to reduce operational costs and carbon emission, important factors others can use to their advantage.

“Methodology” and “Scenarios and Modeling Assumptions” in place of the expected “Materials and Methods,” stuck out to me as odd at first. Nonetheless, it was a valid replacement. Materials were stated alongside Methods, but the complexity of using PLEXOS to predict various patterns of the wind and sun in nature so they can build technologies to withstand the issues. Model 1 shows PLEXOS models had close relations with the reality of electric power plant BCS uses. Figure 5 shows that renewable energy has much higher installed capacity compared to peak load, which means the renewable energy allows them to be just as prepared. Although the latter section was helpful in teaching me in depth, I felt as if results were being discussed, making it perplexing. Additionally, statistics were utilized in writing, tables, and charts but not thoroughly explained. Possibly, observes believed those specificities to be unnecessary and repetitive.

On the other hand, “Results” and “Discussion” were combined under one sub-heading. I found it practical considering both elements having complementary content. Problems were stated then later dismissed. For example, it quotes, “Figure 6 and Figure 9 show how increasing renewable energy penetration levels lead to wind and solar power curtailment….and is seasonal.” The Union of Concerned Scientists clears this issue up as it states, “In most cases, it simply does not make economic sense to build all the infrastructure (e.g. transmission lines or energy storage) that would be required to utilize every last drop of renewable electricity.” Therefore, results showed minor, fixable issues and practical, helpful findings.

Second to last element is the conclusion. The purpose was to “summarize main points,” but I found this conclusion comprehensively elucidated and slightly overwhelming. I especially found one portion intriguing as it introduced ideas connected with this study in varying aspects. It included exploring different sources and closely examining the cost and reliability tradeoffs. Chapter 19 indicated avoiding adding new information, but I found it to be useful and interesting. It showed how genuine the scientists were in contributing to the environment crisis. Lastly, acknowledgements were placed in the very beginning, which was fitting in view of having all names in one place.

Given these points, the technical report on Baja California Sur followed the eight elements discussed in the textbook. They implemented unique ideas on a smaller scale so the report flows smoothly and fulfills its purpose. However, they failed to do so in some portions where the text had to be read multiple times only to comprehend a portion of it. This was in the case of statistics provided. Overall, the report was mostly kept simple and to the point following the ideal report outline.

 

Citations

Martinez-Anido, Carlo Brancucci, Bracho, Riccardo, Brinkman, Gregory L., & Hodge, Brian S. Baja California Sur Renewable Integration Study. United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/1481847

Holding Major Fossil Fuel Companies Accountable. (2016, March 22). Union of Concerned Scientists. https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/holding-major-fossil-fuel-companies-accountable

Specht, M. (2019, June 24). Renewable Energy Curtailment 101: The Problem That’s Actually Not a Problem At All. Union of Concerned Scientists. https://blog.ucsusa.org/mark-specht/renewable-energy-curtailment-101

Markel, M., & Selber, S. A. (2010). Technical Communication (Twelfth Edition). Bedford/St. Martin.

 

Reflection

Initially, looking at this assignment was paralyzing. I had a difficult time finding a technical report done by professionals, so I used the CCNY Library chat to connect me with someone that can help me find some. However, they were unable to do much because the searches cannot be done so specifically to only find reports or studies. Then, I decided to look for specific engineering databases and found reports in the field of my interest, environmental engineering. I would have liked to look into mechanical engineering lab reports as well, however I settled for my current one. Since this task seemed overwhelming, I made the decision to make an outline first. After listing all elements from 1-8, I took note of important quotes and my thoughts as I read along. I found it helpful to refresh my memory first then jump into the report. For example, I would read the paragraph in the textbook discussing “Results,” write important factors in my notes, go to the study and read everything under “Results,” and come back to my notes in the end. While writing the analysis, I skimmed over my notes and the report which was very helpful. However, for next time I would start much earlier because I’d get to see the assignment from a fresh mind each time. Also, I would have a few of my peers review my writing before submitting as they can catch on to something I did not. Lastly, I caught myself using repetitions of words and getting my thoughts into writing smoothly. That is something I feel I can improve on with practice.