Natural Gas is a key component in the electrical generation mix of the Integrated Generation and Load Balancing Center (IGLB). Until energy storage matures, the subordinate role of Natural Gas (NG) in the integration of wind is something the wind folks must have for grid stability and reliability of service.
NG has become the wind utility's best, and most stabilizing friend, while the power of the Wind Turbine is the key to turning all of the new NG supplies in North America into base load electricity, driving utilities using NG 65%-70% of the time, as opposed to 35% gas generation the utility industry uses today.
Variable energy Wine Turbine output disbursed with adaptable gas generation creates a smooth electric transmission through the IGLB to the grid and ultimately, the end user. Concurrently, by using the low cost of the power of the wind to lower fuel consumption, the IGLB can provide base load - we are talking about a steady and reliable electricity output at 20 year levelized prices... we're talking about energy production costs dipping as low as 2005 coal plant prices.
Back in 1986, Altresco created a model that moved NG electricity generation into base load position in the dispatch curve in the New England ISO. Although the ingredients we make our electricity product from today have changed, the end result is the same.
Wind supplemented gas hybrids can be the reliable, affordable generation of the next 20-50 years, making America's electricity extremely competitive in the global market.
As an added extra bonus, while using 100% US NG and the energy from the wind we can return 80% of the water we once used to make electricity from coal back where it belongs, running down clean rivers and irrigating growing crops. With hybrids like the IGLB that integrate wind in ways that remove the instability from the grid completely, we can start implementing 2025 clean energy targets today.