Region has a leg up in renewables march
The Arizona Republic
June 15, 2008
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/viewpoints/articles/0615vip-torres0615.html
We are at a critical juncture when energy-planning decisions for the Southwest have to be made to meet growing energy demands while balancing reliability with low-cost, reduced-carbon emissions and water constraints.
Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet.
However, Arizona does have the benefit of abundant renewable resources such as solar, wind and geothermal energy. The cost of energy from wind has dropped significantly and now makes it cost-competitive.
Concentrating solar power has made significant improvements in technology and cost reduction. Photovoltaics is gradually decreasing in cost and is on the path to becoming cost-competitive.
The predictability of geothermal resources makes it a great provide of base power. The best approach for Arizona to meet its growing energy demands must include a balanced portfolio of renewable-energy resources, energy-efficient homes, LEED-certified buildings and energy conservation.
But this is only part of the answer. Adequate transmission lines must be available to carry power from the centralized generation sites to the load centers.
Until issues associated with the variability of large-scale wind farms and solar arrays can be addressed, existing coal- and nuclear-based power plants must remain in the mix.
Full advantage must also be taken of local generation, such as photovoltaics, at the residential and business level. This will require appropriate tax incentives for the home and business owner. A fresh look at state and federal legislation to incentivize and invigorate energy efficiency and the increased use of renewable energy must be done and must include the interests of all stakeholders from the end user to the co-ops and utilities.
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