Reply #15: I wasn't talking about fuel cost. [View All]

[NutmegYankee]

Any steam cycle plant (coal, oil, gas, nuclear) can be run at maximum or near maximum output for long lengths of time and be completely controlled by the operator. Wind is at the mercy of the weather. Wind and solar will make a difference, but they are not going to be able to supply our power alone nor provide power when needed to keep the grid supplied on time. That last part is critical and is the part that few non-engineers understand. Grid operators need to bring plants online and off with precise timing to keep the grid at the right voltage and frequency (60Hz) for equipment and appliances.

For example, Denmark relies on the German power grid to dump the excess wind electricity it creates on a very windy day and also to supply power to make up for low wind days. The Denmark success story in wind is only able to happen because of the massive mostly conventional power grid to the south.