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It may sound 5th grade but is it wrong? The link to the fact check tells us that the back-up for when the wind is not blowing is other generators. What powers those generators?
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY WHEN THE WIND ISN’T BLOWING? DOES WIND NEED TO BE "BACKED UP" BY OTHER SOURCES OF POWER GENERATION?
The U.S. power grid consists of a huge number of interconnected transmission lines that connect a variety of generation sources to loads. The wind does not always blow and the sun doesn't always shine, which creates additional variability (due to the changing output of wind and solar) and uncertainty (due to the inability to perfectly forecast wind or solar output).
But power grid operators have always had to deal with variability. Other forms of power generation, including traditional thermal generation, can unexpectedly trip off-line without notice; all forms of power generation may sometimes not operate when called upon. There is also uncertainty inherent in the system due to ever-changing load (energy demand) that cannot be predicted perfectly, which power grid operators have always had to manage.
Grid operators use the interconnected power system to access other forms of generation when contingencies occur and continually turn generators on and off when needed to meet the overall grid demand.
Adding variable renewable power to the grid does not inherently change how this process of balancing electricity supply and demand works. Studies have shown that the grid can accommodate large penetrations of variable renewable power without sacrificing reliability, and without the need for "backup" generation.
Last edited by redwood66; 03-28-2019 at 04:46 PM..
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