Eco Factor: Wind and solar power to increase energy production by 35 percent without addition infrastructure.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory sees great potential in wind and solar energy. A recent study by the laboratory has shown that it is possible to produce 35 percent of the western states’ electricity by 2017 using wind and solar power. The Western Wind and Solar Integration Study claims that such great results can be achieved without having to make any major infrastructure changes.
The NREL study reveals that even with intermittent wind and sunshine the western United States could meet terms with its 35 percent mark. It suggests that for achieving the goal all that is required is a good strategy.
Simply by altering the way power is distributed around and coordinated between the WestConnect group of utilities in the mountain and southwest states, that goal looks pretty achievable. This could further eliminate the need for emissions-spewing backup gas-burning power plants.
Via: GoodCleanTech
