Wind power saved Texas from a possible blackout caused by the cold emergency. The cold record caused a surge in energy demands. Earlier this week, electricity demand hit a peak that had never before been reached, totaling 52.277 MW.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
THEwind power saved the Texas from the sudden peak in electricity requirements due tocold emergency. The cold record caused a surge in energy demands. Earlier this week, the demand for electricity hit a level that had never before been reached, for a total of 52.277 MW.
Has Texas risked a blackout? We cannot say it, but what we know, based on what was communicated by the foreign press, is that thewind power would have saved Texas from the emergency linked to the drop in temperatures and the increase in the need for electricity, necessary to have hot water, electricity and heating available.
Ercot, the largest operator of the electricity grid, in conjunction with the arrival of the peak of the cold declared a real state of emergency, which led to a reduction in the energy supplied by the plants. The presence of wind turbines in the area has therefore played a crucial role in preventing homes and workplaces from being without electricity.
According l 'American Wind Energy Association, wind has made a difference, in Texas and elsewhere in the United States in times of weather emergency in recent days. Wind energy also would have contributed to compensate for the consumption of methane by gas energy systems, keeping prices under control and making greater quantities of natural gas available for homes to use for heating.
The emergency situation has made it possible to underline how wind power can play a fundamental role in energy mix in Texas. The use of wind energy can in fact support the electricity grid in the event of an emergency and unexpected deficits that could affect other energy sources.
Now the situation would return to normal, after a few hours of emergency, which threatened the electricity grid in Texas between Monday and Tuesday. Ercot, through the spokesperson Robbie Searcy, thanks the citizens for their commitment in the save energy during the most critical moments. A debate on the need for a higher level of power generation in Texas could soon begin. The state still counts a lot on nuclear.
Between 6 and 7 January, the number 1 reactor of Luminant Comanche Peak was operational at 72% of its capacity. Ercot later made it known unexpected shut down of some plants during the night between Monday and Tuesday. The energy demand in recent days has exceeded forecasts. Hence the birth of some inconveniences for the population. Given the crucial role of wind power during the emergency, the United States will decide to invest more in clean energy obtainable from the wind?
Marta Albè
Photo source: aweablog.org
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