MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

Department of Economics Seminar Series 

"Sustainable Energy Systems: Optimization-Driven Approaches for Design and Operation"

by

A. Selin Kocaman

(Bilkent University)

Date: March 17, 2025 (Monday)

Time: 14:00

Place: F106, FEAS - Building A

Abstract

"Growing populations, diminishing fuel resources, environmental concerns, and economic development have made sustainable energy planning more critical than ever. As energy generation and distribution become increasingly complex, the demand for mathematical optimization in the energy sector continues to grow. This seminar will explore recent research advancements in optimization-based solutions for the design and operation of sustainable electric power systems, with a focus on decision-making under uncertainty, facility location, and network design. We will first analyze the technical and economic impacts of control mechanisms enabled by smart grid technologies, particularly the integration of renewable energy sources. Additionally, the seminar will demonstrate the effectiveness of pumped hydro energy storage systems through new stochastic optimization models. Next, we will address the persistent issue of energy poverty, focusing on rural electrification strategies. We will highlight the advantages of site-generating facility location-allocation models over traditional site-selecting models and discuss suitable electrification options for rural areas, including grid, mini-grid, micro-grid, and nano-grid systems.”