Natural gas generation remains one of the most reliable and dispatchable resources available today. Unlike wind and solar, it can produce electricity on demand, which is critical during peak usage periods, extreme weather events, or when renewable resources are not producing.
In today’s environment, natural gas is also one of the only proven, scalable dispatchable resources that can be developed and brought online within the timeframe needed to address growing reliability concerns. Other technologies, such as long-duration storage, advanced nuclear, or hydrogen, show promise, but are not yet widely available at the scale or cost required to meet near-term demand.
In the Pacific Northwest, where electricity demand is increasing and some existing resources are retiring, having firm, around-the-clock generation is essential. Natural gas plays an important role in maintaining reliability while the energy system continues to evolve and new technologies mature.
Additional Resources:
- Pacific Northwest Needs Historic Building Boom to Meet Winter Peaks, E3 Study Concludes | News Data | (link)
- Natural gas still crucial to the WA grid; utilities need to coordinate | The Seattle Times | (link)
- Groups Question Need for More Natural Gas Amid Rise in Demand | News Data | (link)
- As NW faces rolling blackouts, study says renewable energy may not be enough | Oregon Public Broadcasting | (link)
- Montanans want more solar, natural gas development, are less interested in new coal plants | Montana Free Press | (link)