Generator Retirement Optimization for New York State Energy Transition: Balancing Cost, Reliability, and Emissions

New York State (NYS) is shifting towards renewable energy, targeting 70 % renewable generation by 2030 and a net-zero carbon power grid by 2040. This transition necessitates the systematic retirement of fossil fuel generators (FFGs), which have long supported grid stability but contribute significantly to <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\text{CO}_{2}$</tex> emissions. However, FFG retirement introduces chal-lenges related to grid reliability, energy curtailment, transmission congestion, and peak load management, given the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RES). This paper presents an optimization model designed to develop an effective FFG retirement schedule that considers these operational complexities alongside RES integration and transmission constraints. Utilizing historical data on demand and weather patterns, the model evaluates multiple scenarios to balance cost, emissions reduction, and grid stability. The findings indicate that strategic retire-ment of 22 GW generation capacity of high-emission inefficient FFGs, combined with targeted transmission upgrades and RES expansion, can support NYS's energy targets by 2030. This framework offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to achieve decarbonization while preserving grid resilience.