"As one of the first technologies used to generate electricity, hydroelectric power has historically provided the largest share of renewable electricity generation in the United States. However, this year EIA expects wind power to surpass hydroelectricity, based on forecasts in the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook. Different factors lead to uncertainty about the forecast level of electricity generation from each energy source.
Because few new hydro plants are expected to come online in the next two years, hydroelectric generation in 2018 and 2019 will largely depend on precipitation and water runoff. Although changes in weather patterns also affect wind generation, the forecast for wind power output is more dependent on the capacity and timing of new wind turbines coming online.
Both hydro and wind generation follow seasonal patterns. Hydro generation is typically highest in the spring when precipitation and melting snowpack increase water runoff. Wind generation is typically highest in the spring and fall, reflecting the capacity-weighted mix of seasonal patterns in wind across the country. Hydro often has slightly higher annual capacity factors, or utilization rates, averaging 38% in 2016 compared with wind’s 35%. "
I read where new Wind MWs are cheaper than most other sources.
Renewable or hydrocarbon.
They are, and dropping a couple of percent per year. Solar (where there's sun) is even cheaper, and dropping faster. They are building solar in the sandbox for considerably under $0.03 per KWH. New natural gas comes in close to $0.05. Coal is higher than that.
In Texas - where hydroelectric power is a big deal, snow has very little - if anything - to do with our hydro power. Such power is produced by water releases from man-made reservoirs built for that purpose, which store water and release it year round. Precipitation is a real factor, but most hydro dams are in eastern Texas, where rainfall is plentiful, and fairly predictable. Rain fills our rivers - not snow melt. Lots of wind across the state as well, and wind turbines are increasing everywhere - but probably don't seriously challenge hydro as a power source yet.
Across so. Idaho we're seeing new solar plants going in here and there. Of course windmills are increasing everywhere. We have plenty of room for both and lots of sun. I doubt we'll see any new dams. Usable rivers are pretty well used up and getting environmental approval for any new dams would be a nightmare.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
Don't know if it is true or not,but a recent article quotes that one wind mill cam never produce enough energy to pay for smelting of the steel and fabrication to make it.
It's like these greenies saying they drive electric cars so they aren't producing a carbon foot print.They won't admit though it takes burning coal to drive the turbines to make the electricity to charge them.
Our electric bill sure isn't going down because of wind farms
I know they sure detract from the country side
Last edited by saddlesore; 01/21/19.
If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles
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