Let me highlight that Georgia's record peak energy demand is 16,044 MW (25k MW capacity) or less than half the current US wind power capacity.
Texas wind power generation currently stands at over 9,500 MW (I say over because stats are reported yearly and construction is several MW daily). Texas was using excess transmission capacity to distribute the power however they have met their capacity and about 16 months ago began a project to build 18,500 MW of new transmission capacity.
When it is particularly windy, electricity rates in North Texas often fall to zero as the excess energy is so extensive and mostly wasted. With the new transmission capacity the city Dallas CSA will be able to meet all of its energy needs from wind alone.
To be fair the average generation of wind power is a percentage of the nameplate capacity however new generations of turbines reach peak power at lower wind speeds.
Georgia power production by source (2008 from EIA)
Coal-62.78%
Nuclear-23.27%
Natural Gas-9.86%
Wood-1.95%
Hydro-1.57%
This is a crying shame. I fall inside the tiny hydro area or I'd feel bad having this computer on.
Here is what the local lobby has said about it:
Quote:
Southeast raises concerns
A national electricity standard has faced opposition from Southeastern lawmakers, who fear that it'll benefit states with big wind and good sun. Southeastern states are largely dependent on coal and nuclear power.
"We're not opposed to renewables, but we're of the opinion that states should come up with their own plans," says David Wright, past president and current commissioner of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. If the Southeast benefits from growth in biomass, he wonders if it'll lose jobs if coal plants close.
Renewable energy also remains more expensive than coal. Mandates that drive up its use could result in higher energy prices, which could result in lost jobs, says Max Schulz, analyst at the Manhattan Institute, a free-market think tank.
"There's no question that if you have a national standard, you'll see an increase in green jobs," Schulz says. "But you'll also have harmful effects."
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