2024-04-22 23:26:31
In December last year, a multi-agency conference was held in New York to determine whether there is a future gap in electricity supply and, if so, what to do regarding it. New York has set requirements to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% by 2030 and 100% by 2040 (Colorado targets are 80% by 2040 and 100% by 2050).
New York’s Independent System Operator, or NYISO, looked at 22 years of hourly historical data. Even using optimistic projections, there have been numerous periods where future renewable generation would not meet projected loads. The modeling confirmed that a new resource was needed – one that was firm, dispatchable, emission-free and might power the system for days. They dubbed this new resource “DEFRs” for Dispatchable Emission Free Resources. “DEFRs” must be able to ramp up quickly, remain online for long periods of time, and provide frequency and voltage control to the grid.
There’s just one problem – “DEFRs” don’t exist yet. NYISO requested a temporary delay for fossil generation retirement dates. Xcel Energy should do the same here in Colorado. Fossil generators (think Hayden and Craig) should not be shut down until and unless proven alternatives exist.
The clock is ticking towards a catastrophic blackout in New York. High ambitions will collide with reality. An identical situation exists here in Colorado, where Xcel Energy admits that net zero cannot be achieved with existing technology.
A modern society cannot exist without abundant, reliable and affordable electrical energy. Hoping for “DEFRs” is not a viable strategy.
Bill Rutledge
Steamboat Springs
1713832154
#Letter #York #DEFRs #Colorado
