Washington, D.C. — A new issue brief from the Center for American Progress shows how clean energy sources can strengthen the electric grid and help stem the growing number of power outages caused by climate change-driven extreme heat waves and cold snaps.
The brief explains that natural gas and coal are unreliable and unaffordable for ensuring grid reliability during periods of extreme heat and cold. The price of natural gas is extremely volatile, and coal’s role in generating electricity in this country has been declining primarily due to poor economics.
A diverse array of clean energy resources can improve reliability, protect public health, and help save money during extreme temperatures. Solar and wind energy are particularly capable of generating electricity during extreme temperatures, and a reliable grid can leverage these renewable energy sources with battery storage.
Another tool to increase grid reliability is the use of distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar panels and battery storage, typically located in or near residential and commercial customers. Meanwhile, nuclear and geothermal energy are reliable low-carbon sources of baseload power.
Read the brief: “Clean Energy Is Essential To Preventing Blackouts During Dangerous Extreme Heat and Cold” by Akshay Thyagarajan
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].