On a quiet Saturday afternoon in New England, with an electricity demand at a paltry 12,000 MW, electricity is running at $100 / MW. Link here.
What gives? No wind.
First graphic: overview.
Second graphic:
- at the right, note the percent of total energy provided by renewable energy: a paltry 7%
- I don't recall this ever being so low; it's hard to believe it could even get any lower
- so, why so low?
Check the third graphic:
- of the renewable sources, wind is providing only 17%
- 17% of 7% = 1.19%
- of all energy being provided New England, one percent is being provided by wind
- wood chips are providing twice the energy provided by wind
So, with wind failing, how does New England make up the "deficit"?
Hydro power. Expensive hydroelectricity from Canada. Hydroelectricity is the "marginal fuel" making up the "deficit" caused by lack of wind.
I really don't care any more. I just find it fascinating.
Solar? Zero percent.
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