February 20,
Agile goals
As a student, I have a personal interest in learning about energy management using Data Science. My user story will be that of a researcher, documenting and categories the different energy sectors in North Carolina to provide an informative summary. With an Acceptance Criteria of providing an article with diagrams and links towards additional information. I have chosen to restrict my scope of research to pertain just the state of North Carolina to focus the project towards a thorough conclusion.
Cold Snap in Texas
In a month Spring officially begins in the United States, however the Winter remains to provide a series of challenges to various sectors in the US. Effects from the cold climate can have negative impacts on transportation, housing, productivity, and Energy sectors. Recently this month Texas was hit by a snowstorm which cause temperatures to drop dramatically, pipes that provided sources of energy or water were frozen by the weather. Jolting Energy demands has strain production of electricity across the state, leading to rolling blackouts which have left customers in parts of the state without power, under freezing conditions, and a worsening water crisis.
Powering the State
A utilities company provide basic amenities between sectors different sectors, like electricity, natural gas, sewage services, and water treatment. In North Carolina, a large portion of energy originates from Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Energy. Nuclear Energy makes up of 33% while Fossil fuels(Natural Gas and Coal) makes up for 61% generated in the State. North Carolina imports oil and gas from other states and oversea sources. The state energy production is lead by Coal, nuclear, and then Natural Gas. The energy sectors use large amounts of water for cooling and production purposes which mean that rainfall plays a role in the significant of water availability in the state. of its North Carolina population is around 10 million people and in 2018 the energy consumption between sectors was balance between 22- 30 percent (see Figure 1).
Goals
North Carolina has substantial energy resources capabilities in offshore wind power, solar, and hydroelectric. Currently the state consumes four times its usages than it produces, meaning that fossil fuels are used to make up shortfalls for transportation and industrial purposes which are purchase out of state. In 2019, solar power generated almost 6% of power in the state, with North Carolina ranked second in the country for solar capability in the country, behind California. The state has set requirements that utility company need to get 12.5 percent of electricity they produce from renewable energy resources by 2021.
