Northwest News Network reporter Courtney Flatt's June 5 conversation with Darrin Magee (of Western Washington University) was fascinating. As a former utility communicator (Mason PUD 3, Shelton), I've had a front-row seat to much of the energy debate that has led to our region's energy crossroads.
Audio: Why Clean Energy Production Could End Up in Your Backyard (KUOW Radio, Seattle, WA)
https://lnkd.in/gKMBSrf6
The siting of energy infrastructure is a challenge that easily breeds cynicism. As the utility I worked for, along with numerous others (both public and private), grappled with the demands of Washington state's 2006 clean energy initiative (I-937), I coined the phrase "Build it. We dare you."
I am often reminded of my flip remark, as well-intentioned people clash over finding prime sites for solar energy, wind farms, battery banks, geothermal power, energy transmission, and raw materials needed for batteries and infrastructure.
(For example, there are fears about possible battery bank fires in California; land use, cultural, and historical conflicts at the proposed Lava Ridge farm near the Minidoka internment camp in Idaho; the current flap over the proposed Horse Heaven Hills wind farm near the Tri-Cities, WA; opposition to clean-energy transmission lines in the southwest U.S. and elsewhere; and, a growing number of local anti-solar regulations nationwide.)
Darrin Magee made an interesting point about how a proliferation of intermittent resources (solar, wind, etc.) could mimic baseload by shifting power production to where it is best at any given time. However, that depends on having these energy sources built at an appropriate scale, located in optimum locations to catch the sun and wind, and, most importantly, connected to the grid so that the power goes where it's needed.
No easy answers here.
#electricity #renewableenergy #solar #cleanenergy #greenenergy #HydroFlowsHere #hydropower #renewable #MorePowerfulTogether #geothermal #grid #WindPower #Climate #PublicPower #NWPPA #WPUDA
Thanks for keeping your workers safe Primoris Services Corporation🙌👷