Ryo Mitsuhashi ’27, Computer Science

Ryo Mitsuhashi ’27

Major

Computer Science

Project Title

The Use of Traffic Simulators in Energy Systems Modeling

Presentation Link

View Ryo's Presentation

Minor(s): Applied and Computational Mathematics, Humanistic Studies

To achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is essential. However, this energy transition faces several bottlenecks which can be complex for the general public to understand. My project aimed to simplify these bottlenecks for those unfamiliar with the energy transition by using a concept everyone can relate to: traffic and congestion. I developed a website featuring a traffic simulator, adapted from an open-source traffic simulation tool, to illustrate the energy transition and how it relates to traffic congestion. I focused on three key bottlenecks in the deployment of clean energy projects: the approval and funding process, social opposition and geopolitical tension. In the approval and funding scenario, roadblocks symbolize obstacles like interconnection permitting time, or land disputes that cause delays. Social opposition is represented by a lower speed limit, which is analagous to longer project completion times and increased use of off-ramps, which represent more project failures. Geopolitical tension is depicted by fewer lanes, analagous to supply chain disruptions and a reduced maximum speed for trucks, similar to longer completion times for large projects. Through this internship, I gained a deeper understanding of the energy transition and valuable experience in independently building websites.