Back to OurEnergyLibrary search




The Effect of Large Scale Transmission Limitations on Renewable Energy Load Matching for the Western U.S.

The Effect of Large Scale Transmission Limitations on Renewable Energy Load Matching for the Western U.S.

Full Title:  The Effect of Large Scale Transmission Limitations on Renewable Energy Load Matching for the Western U.S.
Author(s):
Publisher(s):  National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

The variability of wind and solar energy technologies is perceived as a major obstacle to employing otherwise abundant renewable energy resources. Based on the available geographically dispersed data for the Western U.S. (excluding Alaska), we analyze the extent to which the geographic diversity of these resources can offset their variability. First, we determine the best match to loads that can be achieved with wind power and photovoltaics with no transmission limitations and then impose large-scale transmission limitations to capture regional specifics of load matching with renewables.

Without energy storage and assuming unlimited energy flows between regions, wind and PV can meet up to 80% of loads in the Western U.S. while less than 10% of the generated power is curtailed. Limiting hourly energy flows by the aggregated transmission line carrying capacities decreases the fraction of the load that can be met with wind and PV generation to approx. 70%. The fraction of curtailed energy does not increase with the onset of transmission limitations.

All statements and/or propositions in discussion prompts are meant exclusively to stimulate discussion and do not represent the views of OurEnergyPolicy.org, its Partners, Topic Directors or Experts, nor of any individual or organization. Comments by and opinions of Expert participants are their own.

Sign up for our Press Release Distribution List

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Please sign me up to receive press releases from OurEnergyPolicy.org.