Monday, June 06, 2011

NYISO wind power generation statistics for 2010

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) releases annually statistics about every generation facility connected to New York’s electrical grid. Data related to wind generation in 2010 is found below.

Many wind opponents cite to wind capacity factors as an illustration that wind power is inefficient. The reader is reminded that these data are rough figures. The spreadsheet below provides no explanation as to why the numbers are what they are (for instance, what role does down time play?), nor is any comparison made to any other type of generation fuel, such as hydro, natural gas or nuclear. Using NYISO’s numbers, a strict comparison of actual generation to theoretical maximum generation may show wind in a favorable light when compared, for example, to a variety of fossil fuels including natural gas.

The spreadsheet is here: 2011 NYCA Wind Generating Facilities Final. Shaded columns indicate extrapolated data not produced by NYISO.

For more information, visit NYISO’s website, Planning Documents & Resources, at http://bit.ly/kI5dZd.

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