Renewable Energy and Natural Gas: “Friend? Foe? Or Both?”

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Over the next few years, the combination of EPA implementation of portions of the 1990 Clean Air Act and the retirement of a significant number of existing high-emitting generation facilities will have a profound effect on the fuel mix that generates U.S. electricity. We are likely to see a significant power generation gap. The two sources of energy most likely tapped to fill that gap are renewables and natural gas. While either could arguably fill the gap, each would face difficulty alone. Some power generators worry about a “dash to gas” effect, causing a price spike. Others worry that an increase in renewable generation could create reliability problems because of intermittency and variability.

On the other hand, a combination of renewables and natural gas-fired generation could build on their relative strengths and create energy that was both reliable and more environmentally beneficial. Natural gas addresses intermittency and variability by providing high-assurance dispatchable capacity, while renewables address price volatility concerns by providing high-assurance, long-term cost of electricity. The combination could act as a reliable, dispatchable, least-cost option that could fill the pending base load generation gap.

The U.S. enjoys an abundance of domestic renewable energy and natural gas resources. This webinar will explore the potential role of the combined resources of renewables and natural gas in meeting future power needs. Is the combination a winning strategy? Would it create greater market efficiency and value to customers? What impact would this combination have on power markets? Are there additional balancing products, compensation adjustments or even rule changes needed?

Q&A Submission:
Q&A both on the teleconference and live at the host firm sites will follow the speakers’ presentations. Please e-mail questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Call Times:
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Eastern
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Central
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Mountain
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Pacific
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Alaskan

Teleconference Co-Chairs:
Robert F. Riley, Partner, Williams Mullen PC, Washington, D.C.
Michael W. Wise, McDonald Hopkins, LLC

Opening:
Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn, President, ACORE

Modorator:
Todd Foley, ACORE

Speakers:
Gene Hinkle, GE Energy
Chris Berendt, Drinker Biddle
Bill Holmes, Stoel Rives

Program Materials

1. Agenda: September 14th

2. Presentation: Gene Hinkle

3. Presentation: Chris Berendt

4. Presentation: Bill Holmes

5. Speaker & Moderator Biographies