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Exploring Emergence of Renewable Energy Grids in Developing Countries with Agent Based Models

Event Type
Guest Lecture
Speaker
Jose Alfaro
Sponsor
School of Natural Resources and Environment
Details
February 3, 20143:30pm - 4:30pm
 - 
1028 Dana Building

About Jose Alfaro's research:
Using the tools of Complex Systems Science, Jose studies the emergence of micro-level networked solutions for macro-level issues, such as the use of small renewable energy projects to create a regional electricity grid. His work focuses in developing countries, particularly Liberia, West Africa. He uses Agent-Based models to gain insights on the economically optimal location for deployment of renewable resources and structure of delivery system strategies while considering the decision patterns of stakeholders, their value judgments, and path dependence. His work in developing countries has led to significant efforts for the creation of sustainability demonstration projects in the energy and agricultural fields resulting in numerous service, practical, and educational opportunities for students in Liberia, Clemson, and UM.

About Jose Alfaro:
Jose Alfaro is a PhD candidate in the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment and a former National Science Foundation Graduate Student Fellow. He was a Research and Development Engineer for a multi-national chemical company before returning to academia and earning a M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Clemson University (2011). He also has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Tennessee (2003).