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Cover power and energy deficits
Firming is a portfolio problem. A fast response can cover a short spike but not necessarily a long renewable drought. Storage needs recharge, gas needs deliverable fuel and demand response needs sustainable participation.
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Working relationship
Shortfall energy = Σ uncovered demand MW × hours
What to keep separate
Adding nameplate MW does not demonstrate adequacy across every hour.
Your task
Combine storage, flexible generation and demand reduction, then stress simultaneous fuel and renewable shortfalls.
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Key terms in plain English
- MW
- Megawatt: a measure of power, or how quickly energy is transferred. A plant's maximum MW is not its actual output in every interval.
- MWh
- Megawatt-hour: a quantity of energy. A steady 1 MW for one hour delivers 1 MWh.