New Analysis Quantifies Cost Savings and Reliable Capacity Contributions of Renewables in ERCOT

Among the benefits, in 2024, renewable generation in ERCOT will deliver $6 billion in net system operating cost savings and more than 18,000 MW of reliable capacity contributions. A new report published by NERA Economic Consulting (“NERA”) and Astrapé Consulting (“Astrapé”) objectively evaluates the impact of renewable energy generation on ERCOT system reliability and the pricesContinue reading “New Analysis Quantifies Cost Savings and Reliable Capacity Contributions of Renewables in ERCOT”

How Solar + Storage Boosts Grid Resiliency

Babcock Ranch, “America’s First Solar-Powered Town”, is a prime example of how solar energy and energy storage can strengthen the reliability of power grids, making communities more resilient in the face of extreme weather and volatile energy prices. The town, which derives its power from 700,000 solar panels at a nearby solar farm, managed toContinue reading “How Solar + Storage Boosts Grid Resiliency”

The Path to a Carbon-Free Grid: Register Today for the 2022 ACORE Grid Forum

The Advanced Power Alliance is proud to support the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) in hosting the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington, D.C. on October 13. Join us as regulators, grid operators, utilities, developers and other experts convene to examine the near-term gaps and long-term priorities for infrastructure on the path to a carbon-freeContinue reading “The Path to a Carbon-Free Grid: Register Today for the 2022 ACORE Grid Forum”

Rain, Sleet, or Snow – Wind Works As Part of a Resilient Electric Grid

By Evan Vaughn, from AWEABlog Extreme weather like this week’s plunging temperatures is becoming easier for power grid operators to manage, thanks to an increasingly diverse electricity supply including more low-cost, reliable wind generation. The strength of the U.S. electricity system is on display this week even as “one of the strongest East Coast winterContinue reading “Rain, Sleet, or Snow – Wind Works As Part of a Resilient Electric Grid”

Vying for the Title: States Across the U.S. Set Wind Output Records

October was a record breaking month for wind energy output. by Michael Goggin.  Originally published at AweaBlog.org Grid operators in Texas (ERCOT) and the Midwest (MISO) spent the past week neck and neck in a race for record wind output, leading to a near photo finish. Texas jumped into first place on October 22, eclipsingContinue reading “Vying for the Title: States Across the U.S. Set Wind Output Records”

Sierra Club: ERCOT Finally Values Wind Peak Capacity Using Actual Data

By Cyrus Reed – The Sierra Club | Lone Star Chapter For the last five years, the Sierra Club has been in a healthy discussion at ERCOT (Electric Reliable Council of Texas) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas over how to calculate the value of wind energy during peak demand. Opponents of wind stillContinue reading “Sierra Club: ERCOT Finally Values Wind Peak Capacity Using Actual Data”

Wind Energy Helps Ward Off Power Outages

by Michael Goggin, AWEA https://www.aweablog.org/blog/post/wind-energy-helps-ward-off-power-outages Over the last 48 hours, wind energy played a critical role in keeping homeowners warm as grid operators across the Eastern and Central U.S. worked overtime to keep up with record-breaking winter demand. Most importantly, wind energy provided massive quantities of extremely valuable electricity when grid operators needed it mostContinue reading “Wind Energy Helps Ward Off Power Outages”

Holiday Cold Front Brings New Wind Power Record to ERCOT

Announced by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas on January 2, 2013: The high winds that sent a chill through Texas last week also contributed to a new wind power record, with wind generation providing 8,638 MW of power at 3:11 p.m. on Dec. 25. This output represented nearly 26 percent of system load inContinue reading “Holiday Cold Front Brings New Wind Power Record to ERCOT”

Statement by Wind Coalition on the Recent Texas Power Outages

The following statement was issued by Paul Sadler, executive director of The Wind Coalition, on the recent power outages: “It has been reported that approximately 50 fossil fuel generating units tripped offline, reducing expected output of approximately 7,000 MW on the electric grid, triggering rolling blackouts. We know these companies and individuals are working tirelesslyContinue reading “Statement by Wind Coalition on the Recent Texas Power Outages”

KCC Approves New Transmission Line

ITC Great Plains to build new line between Spearville and Hays Topeka, Kansas – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) today approved ITC Great Plains’ (ITC) application for a permit to construct a 345 kV transmission line extending 89 miles between Spearville and Hays (order attached). “After careful review and consideration of the evidentiary record, public comments,Continue reading “KCC Approves New Transmission Line”