Time To Start Closing Down NatGas
Study Finds California Can Close 28 Natural Gas Plants Immediately Without Affecting Electricity Reliability; Additional Plants Could be Shuttered with Investments in Battery Storage or Other Technologies
August 7, 2018 (Union of Concerned Scientists)
“California can retire at least 28 of its natural gas plants because they are no longer needed to meet the state’s electricity needs nor its carbon emissions reduction goals…[A Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) study of all 89 natural gas plants in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) territory showed the state will need no new plants and far fewer existing plants to meet reliability needs] through 2030 to meet its power needs… In response to the 2000-2001 energy crisis when residents experienced rolling blackouts and utilities risked or experienced bankruptcy, California commissioned many natural gas plants. At the same time, it pursued an aggressive renewable energy target. Now there are about 200 natural gas plants connected to the grid that together make up 33 percent of the state’s power mix…
Because natural gas can be stored and natural gas plants can be easily turned on and off, CAISO relies on natural gas during the ‘evening ramp’ when solar power decreases, millions of Californians come home and electricity demand spikes. Natural gas also fills the gap when supply is limited during grid emergencies…[But the growth of New Energy has created a NatGas glut that is blocking the New Energy’s further expansion and putting the state’s climate goals and the health of those who live near the plants at risk]…” click here for more
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