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> Why is this portrayed as a problem at all? Many wind farms have serious problems being economically viable because their production is too unpredictable. Tho
by Tuna-Fish 16y ago
> Why is this portrayed as a problem at all?
Many wind farms have serious problems being economically viable because their production is too unpredictable. Those export lines might never make back their initial investment, because the price you get for suddenly selling electricity to be provided tomorrow on the open market will be at least an order of magnitude less than what you get for stable contracts, and conversely, if you need some to be provided tomorrow, you might end up paying a lot more than you expected to.
The only solution that I have seen to work is to find some industry that can afford to let their equipment sit idle while they wait for cheaper electricity and make a contract with them.
- StavrosK 16y agoOr huge batteries, I guess...
- jonah 16y agoYep: "Wind Drives Growing Use of Batteries" http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/business/energy-environment/28storage.html http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/business/energy-environmen...
- pbhjpbhj 16y ago... like a pumped hydroelectric station. Could wind farms have local pumped water storage work available (eg for water towers) or dedicated lines to pumped hydroelectric stations so that the power output could be chosen and excess power diverted to pumping water for later use (use for power gen' or water transport). Or would fly-wheels or heating be more efficient.