(Part 7) Competitiveness: Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)

(Part 7 of 7) Competitiveness: Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)

Non-hydro resources will become increasingly competitive in the Pacific Northwest.

Key trends/long-term issues discussed include: prices for gas, wind, and solar; innovations in wind power generation; rising interest in off-shore wind; falling prices of solar power, potential for solar in the Pacific Northwest; a review of the R&D pipeline for solar PV efficiency improvements; and a general comparison of renewable energy costs versus legacy generation technologies. (Total run time: 15m 8s)

Series Abstract:

If there is one word that could possibly describe the state of the electric power industry between today and 2030 it would be “change.” From changing environmental conditions to emerging technologies to evolving customer preferences and expectations to wholesale market developments, it is becoming increasingly clear that the future of the regional electric power industry will most definitely be different than today. This presentation reviews trends (historical and projected) across a range of key topic areas that are contributing to the ongoing evolution of the electric grid in the Northwest (and beyond). The intent of this lecture is to spur dialogue, particularly within regional utilities and among energy professionals, regarding the implications of the changes that are afoot.

Series Chapters:

I. (Introduction to 7-Part Series): Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)
   • (Introduction to Series) Q4 Northwest...  

1. (Part 1 of 7) Environmental Conditions: Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)
   • (Part 1) Environmental Conditions: Q4...  

2. (Part 2 of 7) Salmon Recovery: Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)
   • (Part 2) Salmon Recovery: Q4 Northwes...  

3. (Part 3 of 7) Clean Energy: Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)
   • (Part 3) Clean Energy: Q4 Northwest E...  

4. (Part 4 of 7) Distributed Energy: Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)
   • (Part 4) Distributed Energy: Q4 North...  

5. (Part 5 of 7) End-Use Loads: Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)
   • (Part 5) End-Use Loads: Q4 Northwest ...  

6. (Part 6 of 7) Market/Regulatory Structures: Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)
   • (Part 6) Market/Reg. Structures: Q4 N...  

7. (Part 7 of 7) Competitiveness: Q4 Northwest Electric Power Landscape Exploration (2017 – 2030)
   • (Part 7) Competitiveness: Q4 Northwes...  


Contact: Joshua Binus, BPA Policy Strategist, [email protected]