'Variable but forecastable renewables (wind and solar cells) are very reliable when integrated with each other, existing supplies and demand. For example, three German states were more than 30 percent wind-powered in 2007-and more than 100 percent in some months. Mostly renewable power generally needs less backup than utilities already bought to combat big coal and nuclear plants' intermittence.'[4] (May 2008)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Lovins argues renewables are reliable when integrated, needing less backup than fossil plants.
- In plain terms
- Wind and solar are reliable together and need less backup power.
- What can you take from it?
- Integrate renewables to ensure grid reliability.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much backup do renewables need?
- Is the grid ready?
Another view
Extreme weather can still test renewable reliability.
More from Amory Lovins
'A widely heralded view holds that nuclear power is experiencing a dramatic worldwide revival and vibrant growth, because it's competitive, necessary, reliable…
Permalink to quote #4 '...new nuclear plants are simply unfinanceable in the private capital market, and the technology will continue to die of an incurable attack of market forces-…
Permalink to quote #3 'There are two kinds of micropower. One is co-gen and combined heat and power. That was about two-thirds of the new capacity and three-quarters of the new elec…
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
The bullet is a fool, the bayonet is a fine chap.
Alexander SuvorovAlexander Suvorov quote #2 But this is no time for gaiety. This is a time to get hold of the folks at the Oregon State Highway division and ask them, when they get done cleaning up the b…
Dave BarryDave Barry quote #2 I think every gentleman on this floor is as well satisfied as I am that Duluth is destined to become the commercial metropolis of the universe, and that this r…
J(ames) Proctor KnottJ(ames) Proctor Knott quote #2