West Coast: Solar Eclipse Reveals Reality of ‘Renewable’ Energy
What Happens to ‘Renewable’ Energy When the Sun Goes Dark?
Here’s a thought-provoking question: What do we do if we’re highly dependent upon solar energy and there is a solar eclipse?
Believe it or not, it’s not a silly question.
The increased use of solar power can cause utility companies to panic when the sun goes dim.
In fact, more than half of California’s energy production comes from solar power. The California Independent Systems Operator (CAISO), which coordinates the state’s power generation, is concerned about the upcoming partial solar eclipse in October.
“We’ve been trying to get ahead of this,” CAISO CEO Elliot Mainzer told the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) last week, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights.
“It’ll be an interesting moment,” Mainzer said.
Indeed, it will be.
The Upcoming Solar Eclipse
On October 14, an annular solar eclipse will begin in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. local time and move across the western U.S., ending in Texas an hour and 50 minutes later.
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon partially blocks the sun, as opposed to a total solar eclipse where the moon completely darkens the sun.
In 2017, California experienced an annular eclipse that affected the state’s solar generation, which accounted for 30 to 40 percent of its energy production, according to a CAISO fact sheet.
Preparing for the Eclipse
CAISO had to plan for over a year to offset the projected power gap of 449 megawatts during the 2017 eclipse. They had to rely on resources other than solar generation to fill the gap.
This raises an important question: What alternatives do we have to solar and wind power, which are heavily promoted as renewable energy sources?
While nuclear power and hydroelectric dams may be options, they also come with their own challenges and limitations.
During the 2017 eclipse, CAISO had to tap into hydro and natural gas generation to compensate for the decrease in solar power.
California’s Renewable Energy Efforts
California currently relies on renewable sources for 70 percent of its energy during peak midday demand. Out of that 70 percent, a staggering 80 percent comes from solar power, making up 56 percent of the state’s midday power production.
Fortunately, solar eclipses, although visible during the day, do not occur exclusively during peak midday hours when electrical demand is highest.
CAISO expects a smaller power gap between production and demand during the upcoming eclipse compared to the 2017 event. This time, the gap is projected to be 11,748 megawatts, and CAISO plans to offset it through coordination with external power systems.
Other states, such as Texas, have reported that they will use natural gas to bridge the gap in solar power generation.
The Limitations of Renewable Energy
Despite the efforts to promote renewable energy, the forces of nature are not always reliable. Each source of electrical generation, including coal, gas, nuclear, solar, hydro, and wind, has its place. However, the dream of complete reliance on renewable energy is just that – a dream.
Sometimes, the sun doesn’t shine, the wind doesn’t blow, and the water doesn’t flow. In those situations, alternative sources of energy, such as building a fire, may be necessary.
The post West Coast Is Dead Center for Solar Eclipse – They’re About to Learn What Happens to ‘Renewable’ Energy When the Sun Goes Dark appeared first on The Western Journal.
What are the challenges and limitations associated with alternative energy sources like nuclear power and hydroelectric dams
Able energy sources, like solar and wind power, there are still limitations to their reliability. One of these limitations becomes apparent during solar eclipses, where the sun is partially or fully blocked by the moon.
In California, where more than half of the energy production comes from solar power, the upcoming annular solar eclipse in October is a cause for concern. The California Independent Systems Operator (CAISO), responsible for coordinating the state’s power generation, has been making preparations to offset the potential power gap during the eclipse.
During the 2017 eclipse, California experienced a decrease in solar generation, which accounted for 30 to 40 percent of its energy production at the time. CAISO had to plan for over a year to fill the projected power gap of 449 megawatts during that event. They had to rely on alternative resources such as hydro and natural gas generation.
This raises an important question about the alternatives to solar and wind power, which are heavily promoted as renewable energy sources. While nuclear power and hydroelectric dams may be viable, they also come with their own challenges and limitations.
California’s current renewable energy efforts rely on solar power for 56 percent of its midday power production. During peak midday demand, the state relies on renewable sources for 70 percent of its energy, with solar power accounting for 80 percent of that.
Fortunately, solar eclipses do not typically occur during peak midday hours. This means that the impact on energy production and demand during an eclipse is expected to be smaller compared to normal days. CAISO projects a power gap of 11,748 megawatts during the upcoming eclipse, which they plan to offset through coordination with external power systems.
Other states, such as Texas, have also reported using natural gas as a way to bridge the gap in solar power generation during eclipses.
Despite the efforts to promote renewable energy sources, events like solar eclipses highlight the limitations of relying solely on solar and wind power. As the world continues to search for sustainable and reliable energy sources, it becomes evident that a diversified energy mix is crucial to ensure a stable and consistent power supply.
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