When the win is blowing, it pumps mega amounts of power into the system. When the wind dies down, grid managers have to scramble to make up for the lost power generation capability.
Smith, in today's story, said wind generation in Texas dropped from 1,700 megawatts in good wind conditions to 300 megawatts when the wind subsided. Result: Electric prices skyrocketed.
Texas grid operators are trying to find a solution to the knotty issue. It may be in better wind forecasting capabilities, say officials that operate the Texas grid.
As people push for the earth friendly alternatives, they should be aware of the serious drawbacks in generation that depends so dearly on Mother Nature.
Read more about wind generation here.
States with most wind ggeneration capacity, according to the WSJ:
Texas: 4,356 megawatts
Calif: 2,439
Minnesota: 1,300
Iowa: 1,273
Washington: 1,163
One megawatt of power is enough to supply about 250 residences.
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