Fact Check: Solar and wind power are weak and unreliable for the national grid.

Fact Check: "Solar and wind power are weak and unreliable for the national grid."

What We Know

The claim that solar and wind power are weak and unreliable for the national grid is contradicted by multiple sources highlighting the increasing reliability of these renewable energy sources. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated the Solar and Wind Grid Services and Reliability Demonstration funding program, which aims to demonstrate that power systems can reliably operate with up to 100% of their power contribution from solar, wind, and battery storage resources. This program supports projects that develop controls and methods to enhance the reliability of energy systems as more solar and wind energy is integrated into the grid.

Furthermore, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) emphasizes that the U.S. grid has maintained a high level of reliability, with the average customer losing power less than two times per year for a total of less than five hours (NREL). This indicates that the grid's reliability is not significantly compromised by the integration of renewable energy sources.

Analysis

The assertion that solar and wind power are unreliable often stems from misconceptions about their intermittency and the challenges of integrating them into existing grid infrastructure. However, advancements in technology and grid management are addressing these concerns. For example, the DOE's funding program includes projects that focus on developing grid-following and grid-forming technologies, which are essential for maintaining grid stability in systems with high levels of inverter-based resources (IBRs) (source-1).

Additionally, a report from NREL discusses how renewable energy can actually enhance grid reliability by diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on any single source (source-2). This diversification helps mitigate risks associated with supply disruptions, making the grid more resilient overall.

Critically assessing the sources, the DOE and NREL are reputable organizations with a strong track record in energy research and policy. Their findings are supported by empirical data and rigorous analysis, lending credibility to the argument that solar and wind power can contribute positively to grid reliability.

In contrast, claims made by political figures, such as former President Donald Trump, often lack empirical backing and may be influenced by political agendas (source-4). This highlights the importance of relying on scientific evidence rather than anecdotal or politically motivated statements when evaluating the reliability of renewable energy sources.

Conclusion

The claim that solar and wind power are weak and unreliable for the national grid is False. Evidence from credible sources demonstrates that advancements in technology and grid management are enhancing the reliability of these renewable energy sources. The ongoing efforts by the DOE and NREL to integrate solar and wind power into the grid further support the conclusion that these energy sources can operate reliably and contribute to a resilient energy future.

Fact Check: Solar and wind power are weak and unreliable for the national grid.