Interdependent Critical Infrastructure Model (ICIM): An agent-based model of power and water infrastructure

Abstract The comfort, mobility, and economic well-being of a population depends on reliable and affordable electric power services, which in turn requires a sustainable water supply. It is therefore increasingly important to analyze the sustainability and resilience of mid- and long-term electric utility and water system capacity expansion plans. Due to the inherent interdependency between power and water critical infrastructure, these expansion plans should be analyzed with respect to potential challenges posed by climate change and other risks. Decision-makers therefore require tools that facilitate an integrated analysis that captures the interdependency of power and water to better inform future expansion plans. Here we develop an agent-based model of a typical regional power system that incorporates the features of specific plant types and their cooling systems that are dependent on adequate water supplies at appropriate temperatures to support full power operation. The effects of capacity expansion plans, power demand growth, climate change, and extreme events are analyzed through different scenarios designed to illustrate the utility of such a model and show where it can aid in mid- and long-term planning.