Report: Natural Gas, Renewables Should Work Together – Not Compete – On Texas Grid

June 13, 2013

Renewable energy and natural gas should work together as sources of electricity generation, rather than as competitors on the Texas grid, according to a new report produced for the Texas Clean Energy Coalition. The report, produced by the Brattle Group, notes that wind power tends to displace natural gas-generated electricity on the grid because it’s cheaper; wind is free. But wind energy isn’t always available, because the wind blows mainly at night. Natural gas plants can more easily ramp up and down to complement wind output than can coal or nuclear plants, according to the report.

“Texas is going to require a significant source of new generation in the immediate future,” said former state senator Kip Averitt, the coalition chairman. “We believe there is a place for renewable energies, especially when backed up with natural gas as the base.” The report looks at the relationship between natural gas and renewable resources on the grid run by ERCOT. A second report, due out in a few months, will consider how best to integrate the two sources.

http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/06/12/report-renewables-natural-gas-should-work-together-on-the-grid/