Dennis Minott | Debunking myths about ‘baseload’ power and unstable grids

This article aims to debunk four common myths surrounding ‘baseload’ power and the perception of unstable grid power supply in CARICOM countries. By examining the success of top-quality, high-demand power consumers, such as server farms, and the experiences of industrialised countries like Denmark, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium, we can challenge the notion that ‘baseload’thinking based on fossil fuels or nuclear power is necessary for a stable grid.

Through the use of ruled tables for readability, I will present compelling evidence, including actual figures in Megawatts (MW), to support this argument.

MYTH 1

Baseloadpower is essential for a stable grid.

One prevalent myth is that baseload power, traditionally provided by fossil fuel or nuclear plants, is necessary for a stable grid. However, the demand experiences of top-quality power consumers tell a different story. Giants like Apple, Amazon, and Kaiser Permanente hospitals, et cetera, rely heavily on a stable power supply to ensure uninterrupted operations of their sensitive, high-demand equipment.

These entities have successfully transitioned to renewable energy sources without compromising grid stability.

Top-Quality Power Consumers and Their Transition to Renewables

Company/Organisation Renewable Energy Usage (MW) Percentage of Renewables Grid Stability

Apple 398.3 100 per cent Stable

Amazon 369.0 75 per cent Uninterrupted

Walmart 331.0 28 per cent Reliable

Target 284.8 100 per cent Uninterrupted

Google 245.3 100 per cent Stable

Kaiser Permanente 181.8 100 per cent Uninterrupted

Switch 179.0 100 per cent Reliable

Prologis 133.7 100 per cent Uninterrupted

Facebook 119.5 100 per cent Stable

Solvay 81.4 100 per cent Reliable

Note: The MW values provided in the Table.1 were kindly provided by Dr. Beverly Brown-Sands for illustrative purposes and might not reflect the most current data which, based on my own double-checking, are now significantly higher. DAM

MYTH 2

Unstable grids in CARICOM countries up to 2020.

Contrary to the perception of unstable grids in CARICOM countries, numerous nations worldwide have effectively integrated renewable energy sources without destabilizing their grids. Countries like Denmark, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium** have surpassed their national consumption of electric power with supplies from renewables.

Examples of Successful Renewable Integration in Europe

Country Renewable Energy Success Grid Stability Date Achieved

Denmark Exceeds national consumption with wind Stable August 2015

Germany High renewables penetration, reliable Uninterrupted March 2018

Spain 43.6 per cent renewable energy in total mix Reliable January 2021

Netherlands Renewable integration, stable grid Uninterrupted June 2019

Belgium Exceeds national consumption with wind + solar Uninterrupted May 28, 2023**

MYTH 3

Baseload thinking based on fossil fuels or nuclear power.

The simplistic, outmoded, and unhelpful concept of baseload power relying on fossil fuels or nuclear power is deeply ingrained. However, this thinking overlooks the advantages of modern, smart, electronic instrumentation and controls and the benefits of renewable energy sources. Renewables offer the flexibility and reliability required to meet the demands of modern grids. They can be ramped up or down quickly to adjust to changing energy needs, making them ideal for a diverse and sustainable power supply.

Comparing Baseload and Renewable Energy Sources

Criteria Baseload Power (Fossil/Nuclear) Renewable Energy Sources

Flexibility Limited Highly Flexible

Grid Stability Prone to disruptions Reliable and Stable

Environmental Impact High carbon emissions Low carbon footprint

Cost-effectiveness High operating costs Decreasing costs over time

To sum up, these myths surrounding “baseload” power and unstable grids in CARICOM countries have been debunked. The success of top-quality power consumers in transitioning to renewables, coupled with the achievements of countries like Denmark, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium**, demonstrates that stable grid power supply is achievable through renewable energy integration. “Baseload thinking” based on fossil fuels or nuclear power is no longer necessary in the era of renewable energy. It is time for CARICOM countries to embrace the transition to renewables, leveraging the flexibility, reliability, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness they offer. By doing so, they can create a sustainable and stable power supply for their citizens and pave the way for a greener future. Finally, I quote verbatim The Gleaner, June 1, article ‘Crucial factors to consider for nuclear power plant’

A record amount of electricity was generated by wind and sun at around midday on Whit Monday, enough to cover just about the entire electricity consumption of Belgium for the first time ever. Belgium has an area of 11,780 square miles and a population of 11,584,008 on June 1, 2023

For a short while on sunny bank holiday, solar and wind energy alone generated enough power to cover the entire country’s demand, according to preliminary figures from high-voltage operator Elia. This marks the first time this phenomenon has happened in Belgium. Specifically, 8,303 megawatts of electricity were generated by renewable energy between 13:00 and 13:30 on Monday, while on Sunday, 7,695 megawatts were produced during the peak.

Note that both nuclear stations in industrialised Belgium, where the EU headquarters is situated are operated by Electrabel. Dessel is home to two sites for the production of nuclear fuel. One operated by FBFC, the other is being decommissioned and belonged to the Belgonucleaire company. There are several test reactors at the SCK•CEN site in Mol. The Thetis research reactor of Ghent University is being decommissioned and has had its fuel removed from site. None of these research reactors supply electricity to the grid. “What are Jamaica’s population and our area in square miles?”

n Dennis A. Minott PhD is the CEO of A-QuEST-FAIR. He is a renewable energy specialist and worked in the oil and energy sector. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm