Designing Sustainable Power Grid Investment Plans for Economic Growth and Energy Security: A Case Study on Kenya

Gül Çulhan Kumcu

This study develops a Generation Expansion Planning (GEP) model that integrates sustainable economic growth and energy security considerations for developing countries. The model incorporates a linear relationship between electricity generation and GDP and optimizes long-term electricity capacity expansion investments while accounting for economic growth requirements. The framework is applied to Kenya to evaluate alternative investment pathways under varying renewable energy penetration and economic objectives. The model highlights the trade-offs between system costs, emissions, and economic growth, providing a decision-support framework for policymakers designing sustainable and resilient energy systems in developing countries.

Short Bio

Dr. Gül Çulhan Kumcu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ). Dr. Kumcu received her Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management from Rutgers University in 2023. She earned her M.S. (2019) and B.S. (2017) degrees in Industrial Engineering from Bilkent University. Her research focuses on operations research and optimization models for energy systems, supply chains, and humanitarian logistics.

Venue

Friday, March 13, 2026, 4.00 pm

IE Building, Halim Doğrusöz Auditorium (IE 03)