These statements are right from the California Energy Commission site.
"When large hydroelectric and biomass are added in, renewable resources represent more than 25 percent of the state's electricity
production system. This diverse group of resources helps California keep its energy rates stable."
Stable and high. Having 25% of electricity supplied by high cost, inefficient technology was one reason why we de-regulated! Stable supply, not. Brazil is experiencing electricity rationing caused by drought and an over-dependence on hydro (90%).
"Energy is essential to California's economy. In order for the state to grow, energy must be readily available and inexpensive. "
Agreed, but not by subsidy, by choice. Golly, didn't notice a statement about conservation causing growth, must have missed it.
" IN 1996, California had 40 percent of the world's wind-generated electricity.; forty percent of the globe's geothermal power production
was in our state; and we had more than 90 percent of the world's solar electricity production."
Kind of jumping the gun here aren't we, especially for a State that's experiencing black-outs. But pride does come before a fall.
I've got nothing against solar, except it's expensive. How clean is the production process of solar panels and cells? Kind of inconvenient to use at night,
so out come those nasty batteries (are they "clean"?) A guy nearby purchased a unit for $25K for his home to cut his bill from $125 a month to $25. I
figure his savings equal the cost when amortized out to 20 years or so, if repairs are minimal, and the price of power doesn't go down! Did I mention cloudy days? But hey, to each his
own.
We have geothermal in Mammoth Lakes. So far so good, but maybe one earthquake changes things. Many plants have run out of steam. Stability is lacking.
Wind generation has certifiably killed some protected birds. A trade-off? Not too aesthetic either IMO but again, if you individually like it, pay the price.
Really this is what the market is all about, choices and trade-offs, risk and reward, no priests needed. |
