Dive Brief:
- The Western Interconnection could get 35% of its power from wind and solar without having to construct new high-voltage transmission lines, according to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
- The ambitious mix of 30% wind and 5% solar, while more expensive than building natural gas plants, would cut carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 45%.
- The region would have to improve its forecasting on the availability of wind and solar resources and increase the use of demand response programs.
Dive Insight:
Not having to build extensive infrastructure would be good news for utilities in the West. Not only would it save the expense for ratepayers and plant developers, but it avoids the historically controversial, and often rancorous, regulatory battles over siting new power lines.