Western Power Grid Integration
An energy policy specialist noted,
we could be drawing on the solar resources from the Southwest during the day, and then in the evening the wind resources in Montana and Wyoming are a great benefit.
Western leaders have long discussed creating a regional energy market, combining solar power from Arizona, wind from Wyoming, hydro power from Washington, and battery storage from California.
- Solar power from the Southwest
- Wind power from Montana and Wyoming
- Hydro power from Washington
- Battery storage from California
This shared resource would meet the demands of 11 states, supporting local power plants with surplus energy from across the region.
Experts believe the market could lower energy costs, increase grid resilience, and accelerate clean energy deployment, but its success depends on state and utility participation.
Author's summary: Regional energy market to integrate Western power grid.