Comments on: Dude, Where's My Energy Bill?

By: Craig Rubens

Craig Rubens — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:32:40 +0000

Re: Jim

I've seen you (or another "Jim" with a penchant for bringing up the issue of sheddable loads) post about this on other wind energy posts.

I just read this report from a study at Stanford that is trying to stabilize wind energy production by linking together multiple wind projects to produce a reliable baseload.

I'm not sure I like the analogy the article uses likening it to having a bunch of hamsters running on wheels ("At any given time, some hamsters will be sleeping or eating and some will be running on their treadmill.") but the research seems to have collected and analyzed some good data. Check it out and let me know what you think.

By: World Wind Power to Triple by 2015 « Earth2Tech

World Wind Power to Triple by 2015 « Earth2Tech — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:03:11 +0000

[...] — let alone “strengthening” — of the RPS is far from a sure thing. And as “Jim” pointed out in our comments last week, the intermittent nature of wind power would “require either conventional backup or [...]

By: Climate Change Report: Yep, It’s Real, Dire and Needs Cleantech Startups « Earth2Tech

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:03:55 +0000

[...] But the US has to lead on this issue, and it’s going to need key allies emerging from Silicon Valley (Thanks, Al) whose combined political weight rivals that of the entrenched energy interests. As Craig reported this week, they will have a major fight on their hands as cuts in the energy bill look likely. [...]

By: Jim

Jim — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:36:32 +0000

RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standards) require either conventional backup or some way of including the amount of sheddable loads on the grid. The backup is expensive, and probably dirty coal. Sheddable loads are possible with smart metering, but much further work is needed in this area.

If a grid region is mandating for say 15% RPS, and only has a backup of 10%, then that grid region is unstable, and could collapse under certain circumstances.

Something tells me Washington hasn't thought all of this stuff through....

To be safe, RPS should be installed along with sheddable loads of the same capacity. Then when the wind stops blowing, there is some recourse available.

By: Lorna Li

Lorna Li — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:33:31 +0000

Hi Craig,

I enjoyed your last post too! As an incorrigible Green activist and midnight blogger, I am watching this situation unfold with dread and anticipation.

It seems like a broad coalition of environmental orgs, student groups, industry coalitions have been bombarding Congress with the message that the 2007 Energy Bill needs to reflect a strong commitment to renewable energy and independence from foreign oil. Even auto industry workers are clamoring for 35 mpg by 2020: http://smnr.us/35mpgby2020/

There seems to be a lot of noise calling for cleaner energy standards in the public sphere, yet what’s really going on behind closed doors. What’s really influencing the legislators if not the wrath of voters?

In the last critical days before the Energy Bill is finalized, send Congress this petition now!

http://www.energybill2007.org

Cheers,

Lorna Li
http://lornali.com