Re:UK Wind Farms Are Overstating Their Output
by tyingq on Thursday February 01, 2024 @07:27AM
(#39215258)
That's interesting, and looking at per-capita use graphs over the years...seems predictable. Are there any major sectors of "use" that would shift if electricity were cheap enough? Like, for example...in the UK, is any significant part of building/home heating, or industrial production still gas or fuel oil?
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Re:UK Wind Farms Are Overstating Their Output
by CiaranMcNulty on Thursday February 01, 2024 @07:50AM
(#39215407)
The majority of existing homes and hot water supplies use natural gas
Re:UK Wind Farms Are Overstating Their Output
by Retric on Thursday February 01, 2024 @08:10AM
(#39215558)
As long as it’s actually cheap that’s not an issue. Swapping to a resistance heater when electricity rates cost less than natural gas is a cheap and straightforward way to suck up excess electricity in the winter. Unfortunately, UK fees may prevent ultra low retail rates even if wholesale power is cheap.
A more elaborate system can use predicted rates and thermal mass with heat pumps to dramatically reduce energy costs while also shifting demand to peak production periods.