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Message from the CEO
Published: April 23, 2009:Author: Jon Kaake
You don’t have to read far in this edition of GridLines to realize most of the articles are connected by a common thread: wind integration. From the Joint Initiative to WECC’s variable generation effort to a new study team, developing tools to integrate wind has risen quickly to the top of ColumbiaGrid’s agenda.
Some have called the proliferation of wind power in the Northwest “an embarrassment of riches.” Wind turbines are now a familiar feature in the Columbia River Gorge and plateaus of the Columbia Basin. Many more are on the way. So far, the lion’s share of wind projects has been clustered in BPA’s balancing area, creating a growing challenge for maintaining reliable and efficient system operation.
ColumbiaGrid is excited to be part of the effort to develop tools that will keep the transmission grid humming along as we move with these 21st century resources. The rapid pace of wind development is still picking up, spurred by state and federal energy policy. Prudence dictates that we get out ahead of the gale roaring our way.
