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Wind energy is playing a major role in the Northwest power
system. Utilities have invested in wind projects in all four
Northwest states, with the largest concentration in and around the
Columbia River Gorge. And we expect that in the near future the
amount of wind generation in the region will double.
There are good reasons to tap into wind. But integrating it
into our well-tuned system is a challenge. Unlike our traditional
resources of hydropower and natural-gas fired plants, wind is highly
variable. There are constant fluctuations in the amount of power
wind is feeding into the lines. And that adds complexities for
ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity.
What's behind this drive to wind power? Wind is a non-polluting
form of energy production. As with hydropower, there are no
greenhouse gas emissions and it is a renewable resource. As long as
the wind blows, there is "fuel" to spin the blades.
Public policy is spurring wind development too. Tax credits -
federal and state - provide financial incentives to build wind farms.
With these changes come challenges. Engineers are working on
solutions to meld wind generation into our system. They are at the
cutting edge with ideas and technology to support the contribution of
wind power. Some remedies are physical, like increasing and
decreasing generation at dams to balance with the wind. Other
actions are institutional, like shortening the planning cycle to 30
minutes from 60, to better follow wind patterns.
Utilities are working to make sure consumers have the electricity they
need when they need it and are stepping up to the challenges of adding
wind.
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