It’s True: Wind Energy is Reliable

Author photo Written by Carol Gulyas
Published on March 26th, 2008
4 Comments
Posted in Wind Energy

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The March 25th, 2008 issue of Renewable Energy Access counters the incorrect stereotype that wind is unreliable. Some facts:

  • Over 4.5 million U.S. homes get their power from wind energy.
  • According to energy reliability analysts, wind power flows into electric system operations reliably and economically.
  • Many countries and U.S. states use wind as a significant (and reliable) portion of their electricity power: Denmark 20%, Germany 7%, Spain/Portugal 20% for portions of 2007, and Minnesota and Iowa close to 5%.

Okay, so what happens when the wind doesn’t blow? Power dispatchers use other forms of electrical energy to power the grid.

“Paul Bonavia, Chief Operating Officer of Xcel Energy, one of the nation’s largest electric utility companies [reports]: ‘Wind energy is an integral piece of our power supply portfolio. It provides a hedge against fuel price volatility associated with other forms of electric generation. Our studies and experiences show that wind energy integrates effectively and reliably into our power systems with regional market operations to mitigate the impact of wind variability. ‘”

The electrical grid serves as a kind of storage system, and this is a good thing, since battery storage is still not cost-effective (unless you use your windmill to power your plug-in hybrid…..I confess this is stilly my dream electrical energy combination).

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4 Responses to “It’s True: Wind Energy is Reliable”

  1. WFA Says:
    March 26th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

    I suggest to “say YES to WIND IN AFRICA” too! Why do we never talk how wind energy is effective and useful in Africa!

    Here is the website of a Kenyan windpump manufacturer (BHEL – Kijito windpumps). They have been developing wind energy in Kenya since 1979. Very committed and experienced people.

    http://www.kijitowindpower.com

    Very useful also the link to the African Wind Energy Association:
    http://www.afriwea.org/

  2. Tom Gray Says:
    March 29th, 2008 at 12:12 am

    Plug-in hybrids are still my dream, too. I’m sure they’ll happen someday soon.

    Regards,
    Thomas O. Gray
    American Wind Energy Association
    http://www.powerofwind.org
    http://www.awea.org

  3. Wind Turbines and… Health? : CleanTechnica Says:
    August 18th, 2008 at 12:30 am

    [...] are a fast, efficient way to produce renewable energy. They’re good for the environment, the power grid, and local communities. But some residents who live closest to the turbines complain about the [...]

  4. New Cost-Effective Battery Tested to Store Wind-Power : CleanTechnica Says:
    November 18th, 2008 at 11:37 am

    [...] a company has developed an efficient battery solution to storing wind power, a clear answer to critics who claim turbines are unreliable. [...]