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Energy Diversity

Matthew L. Wald
In an October 7, 2014 article, New York Times reporter Matthew Wald aptly describes the market forces, technological changes, and policy choices challenging electricity providers today. He artfully distinguishes two aspects of electric generation that are important to understand the value of diverse sources of electricity. One is the energy contributed by a generator, the other is the power it provides. Wind and solar contribute energy (i.e., electric current flowing when the wind blows or sun shines). Nuclear, coal, and gas-fired generators contribute both energy and dependable power (i.e., current flowing when and in the quantities needed by the grid). Mr. Wald's article nicely complements two recent posts on this blog by our NEI colleague Mark Flanagan on October 1 and September 29. It is also gratifying to note that Mr. Wald refers to nuclear power as "zero-carbon", a frequent subject of this blog. For a more quantitative look at market trends, we commend to you the periodic Energy Markets Report compiled by our NEI colleague David Bradish, available at NEI.org.

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