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Major Study Challenges Need |
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Save Scenic Jefferson Valley Coalition |
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A major study released May 20, 2010, prepared by GE Energy for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the US Department of Energy, is headlined “NREL Study Shows Power Grid Can Accommodate Large Increase in Wind and Solar Generation.” According to the NREL’s summary, “The Western Wind and Solar Integration Study examines the benefits and challenges of integrating enough wind and solar energy capacity into the grid to produce 35 percent of its electricity by 2017. The study finds that this target is technically feasible and does not necessitate extensive additional infrastructure, but does require key changes to current operational practice.” These changes include “increased coordination over wider areas and more frequent scheduling.”
In other words, a “Smart Grid” accommodating up to 35 percent wind/solar energy can be attained largely by using our existing grid smarter. For details, click on the links below.
NREL News Release, May 26, 2010— “NREL Study: Western Grid Can Handle Increased Wind and Solar Power”NREL News Release, May 20, 2010— “NREL Study Shows Power Grid can Accommodate Large Increase in Wind and Solar Generation: Increased Coordination Over Wider Areas and More Frequent Scheduling Needed”
The case for MSTI’s in-state need and net benefit fails. The environmental costs of MSTI exceed the benefits in Montana while alternative actions can fulfill MSTI’s objectives. Opponents of MSTI are not opponents of renewable energy even though they have been portrayed as such by NorthWestern Energy.
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