Wind edges coal in Oklahoma for generation in 2016, EIA data says

Wind generation edged coal in Oklahoma for the first time in 2016 as natural gas remained the dominant fuel source for electricity, according to preliminary data from the federal Energy Information Administration.

Natural gas accounted for 46.8 percent of the state’s electricity, with wind at 25.12 percent. Coal generation was 24.65 percent, while other sources made up the rest.

Continued low natural gas prices and new wind generation connecting to the grid helped push coal into third place in Oklahoma last year. Coal generation was at almost 33 percent in 2015 and 43 percent in 2014. Natural gas and coal traded positions as the dominant generation fuel in Oklahoma since 2010, with natural gas taking the top spot four times and coal three times.

“Oklahoma is blessed with an infinite supply of wind energy and a nearly infinite supply of natural gas,” Jeff Clark, executive director of The Wind Coalition, said in an email. “They complement each other well for electric generation, with each bringing unique benefits.”

The coal used for electricity generation in Oklahoma comes from Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, one of the nation’s largest supplies of coal. Clark said using Oklahoma wind and natural gas benefits the state more.

“With these blessings, Oklahoma can power Oklahoma and doesn’t need to go to Wyoming, hat in hand, asking to buy some energy,” Clark said. “We’re pleased to see these in-state resources growing to affordably and cleanly serve the power needs of this state.”

Oklahoma joined four other states — Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, and North Dakota — with wind providing more than 20 percent of electricity generation last year, the American Wind Energy Association said Monday. Nationally, wind accounted for 5.5 percent of electricity generation, up from 4.7 percent.

On a practical basis, state borders mean little for electricity generation, at least in the central portion of the country. Oklahoma is part of a wholesale electricity market run by the Southwest Power Pool, which includes all or part of 14 states. That means all the electricity providers in the region bid into a market. The lowest-cost generation is run first, followed by other generators based on cost until demand is met.

Source: Newsok.com