Nodal Capacity Expansion Modeling with ReEDS: A Case Study of the RTS-GMLC Test System

Summary

This technical report details the application of NREL's Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS), a large-scale capacity expansion model, to the nodal 73-bus Reliability Test System–Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium (RTS-GMLC) test system. The core challenge addressed is the need for more granular spatial and operational detail in test systems and the difficulty of maintaining custom modifications. By adapting ReEDS, which typically models the U.S. with 134 zones, to a nodal system, the study demonstrates its ability to generate plausible system evolutions. Key findings from various scenarios show renewables' share growing from 33% in 2020 to 55% by 2050 in the Reference scenario, and reaching 100% by 2035 under a full decarbonization mandate. The model solves with 3-year time steps starting in 2020, assuming a 1% annual load growth and allowing new builds after 2024.

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