Sunday, May 5, 2013

For Archival Purposes -- North Dakota Energy Update: Coal, Gas, Wind, Not Much Solar

The Bismarck Tribune is reporting:

MDU, energy:
  • Coal: 395 megawatts
  • Gas turbines: 103 megawatts
  • Renewable: 55 megawatts, including wind (49.5)
MDU, demand:
  • Shortage: 125 megawatts short; mostly due to oil patch
MDU: projects
  • Gas-turbine plant in Mandan; 86,000 customers; $85 million
Two new peaking stations (recently posted), both natural gas, both 45 megawatts
  • Pioneer Station, near Williston
  • Lonesome Creek, near Watford City
Wind
  • North Dakota ranks 3rd in the nation in wind generation
  • accounts for 15% of North Dakota's electricity
  • 991 wind turbines in the state
  • capacity: 1,672 megawatts; ND wind turbines run at 45% of their capacity
  • creates havoc with the grid

2 comments:

  1. I think ND should charge A Wind Energy Extraction Tax of .005 cents per kwh yes 1/2 of one cent per kwh on all wind energy that is generated and shipped out of state. if the producer can generate a 2.2 cent per kwh federal tax credit, giving up less then 25 % of that credit would not be a burden
    People in MN have a requirement that 25 % of their Elec energy be from Renewables bu 2025..
    This tax would help fund relief for the citizens of ND who have to observe those ugly pieces of steel ruining the beauty of the ND farm and Prairie lands. In 30 years when those burned out rust hulks of iron have to be replaced the cost be borne by the residents of ND. I know the people of MN in the irrational exuberance to be renewable energy efficient will not care about the additional charge to the burdensome Electric bill .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very, very well said. I agree with you 100%.

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