Western US grid could support 35% renewable energy, says NREL | BrighterEnergy.orgThe electricity grid in the western United States could support up to 35% of wind and solar power by 2017, without extensive additional infrastructure, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The US Department of Energy's research agency issued a study that said the target was "technically feasible" - but would require key changes in how the electricity network is operated in the mountain and southwest states.
Up to 30% wind energy and 5% solar energy penetration could be achieved on the grid with a better coordination of utilities' distribution activities across a much wider geographic area, the research suggested.
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