Complexity and Sustainability in Energy: Mini- and Utility-Scale Electric Grids

Electricity networks are complex technical, economic, and political systems. We consider two scales and systems: the evolution of a community level mini-grid in rural Nicaragua; and utility-scale grids in the U. S. West and across East Africa. The combination of planning and high-resolution spatial and temporal analysis facilitates a new ‘systems science’ that can be used to design and implement improved energy service delivery and improve both local and global sustainability.