Even though I’m involved in the energy industry, it doesn’t make it any easier to understand where Maine should be going regarding our energy future.

A complex matrix is created by the recent flood of news, including biomass plants – supposedly supplying 20-plus percent of our electricity – potentially going offline; the removal of small hydro dams to facilitate fish migration; paper mill closings, with their associated hydro and biomass generation facilities; the current controversial solar expansion proposal L.D. 1649; the continuing talk of Canadian hydro; the increase in natural gas supplies, and more wind farms – not to mention tidal or new hydropower.

It seems the conversation in regard to mill closings, biomass and solar has centered more on jobs than on cost-effective, predictable, reliable electricity generation.

The April 10 Madison mill article exposed some of the problem with wild swings of $17-plus per megawatt-hour to over $120 for the same MWh, making operating a predictable, profitable business most difficult.

Is solar bill L.D. 1649 good for Maine? The provision raising the amount of solar to 248 megawatts allowed in our grid-connected energy mix seems appropriate. As with intermittent wind, the over-time average is probably more like 80 megawatts plus or minus, or 7-8 percent of Maine’s 1.2 gigawatt typical requirement.

However, the promoted idea of cost savings seems a bit vague with little substantive detail. An associated debatable issue is fair value in cases of resident/business excess solar power being sent to the grid – not to be confused with grid-scale solar farms built specifically to supply the grid.

Maine desperately needs a comprehensive plan with real target numbers in our energy mix and supply quantities resulting in a nationally competitive energy environment.

Should solar be included? Absolutely, as well as new hydro, wind, natural gas, tidal and other efficient, nonpolluting sources.

James Monroe

president, Blue Water Dynamos

Gray

 

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