Efforts to limit renewable energy have moved from Utah to various states including New Hampshire, Arizona, and Ohio. This legislative initiative is driven by groups aligned with fossil fuels aiming to boost natural gas and undermine other power sources.
Ohio’s Senate Bill 294 effectively bans large-scale wind and solar projects by requiring new power plants to operate continuously, with a “reliable energy source” designation demanding a minimum 50% capacity factor. This factor measures actual output against the maximum possible, with 100% indicating full-time operation at maximum capacity.
Wind and solar facilities have lower capacity factors as they rely on natural conditions. However, they are essential for power grids due to their unique attributes and are seen as part of a balanced energy portfolio.
Incorporating a 50% capacity requirement is impractical since nearly all power technologies fall short. For example, in 2024, nuclear energy had a capacity factor of 90.8%, while combined-cycle natural gas stood at 60.5%, and wood-burning at 55.8%. Notably, coal-fired plants and simple-cycle gas turbines, among others, are below the 50% mark.
This threshold seems designed to target wind and solar, but it inadvertently affects many fossil fuel plants too. The text of the Ohio bill resembles model legislation from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), known for opposing renewables.
During a November committee hearing, Lora Current from ALEC explained the bill’s capacity factor is based on a technology’s potential rather than actual performance, suggesting new coal plants could qualify.
The definition of “capacity factor” lacks clarification in the bill, suggesting manipulation to exclude renewables. This tactic is part of the ALEC’s energy strategy, also influencing policies in Utah, Louisiana, Arizona, and New Hampshire, although facing gubernatorial resistance in some states. For further insights, E&E News provides additional context.
Ohio’s bill is progressing with serious opposition from environmental groups and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. State Sen. Brian Chavez compared energy investment to car purchasing, favoring more “effective” options.
The bill does not outright ban solar or wind but sets priorities that hinder their approval. Energy experts, like Emily Grubert from Notre Dame, criticize the capacity factor requirement for misunderstanding reliability, likening it to unrealistic expectations for continuous high output.
Josiah Neeley from the R Street Institute argues that system-wide reliability, not individual capacity factors, is crucial. Excluding lower-cost resources like wind and solar could raise consumer costs.
The ongoing legislative battle highlights the tension between natural gas advocacy and renewable energy development, with potential implications for state energy policies.
Other Energy Transition Stories This Week:
EV Transition Impacted by Regulatory Changes: The Trump administration’s repeal of a crucial regulation has significant consequences for the EV market, potentially limiting options for consumers. Read more on Inside Climate News.
U.S. Threatens IEA Withdrawal: Energy Secretary Chris Wright warns of U.S. exit from the International Energy Agency unless it shifts focus away from climate change. Details are available at Politico.
IRS Guidance on Foreign Entity Rules: The IRS releases guidance on preventing adversaries from benefiting from clean energy tax credits. Ben Zientara discusses this in PV Magazine.
Retired EV Batteries in Texas: B2U Storage Solutions repurposes EV batteries to support Texas’ grid, an emerging trend noted by Inside Climate News.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org