Hydropower most reliable

Having worked in the wind energy field for several years, I advocate for a balanced renewable energy policy. But one needs to understand that megawatts of installed wind power aren’t the same as generated power because wind is intermittent.

Wind-generated electricity can be produced with few adverse impacts, but the inconsistency of wind and solar requires the Bonneville Power Administration to have back-up generation capacity (called spinning reserves) that can be brought online almost instantaneously to meet the fluctuating energy demands of the grid.

BPA says it cannot currently firm up any more wind. Hydropower is the optimum source of spinning reserves because turbines can be activated quickly, and water volumes ensure a consistent source. Other options for spinning reserves are nuclear, coal or gas-fired generators that continuously burn fuel, waiting for the call to ramp up and generate firming power. They cannot be simply turned on and off because the expansion and contraction would literally tear it apart.

Hydroelectric power is currently the best, most consistent and reliable source we have, with the bonuses of flood control, navigable waterways and availability of irrigation water.

Dave Richards

Clarkston