In 2005, the first exploratory Marcellus Shale gas wells were being drilled in Pennsylvania. At the same time the first Marcellus Shale wells were drilled, renewable energy from all sources--including hydro and biomass--generated about 20 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity within the PJM power pool, the world's largest wholesale electricity market that extends from Illinois to New Jersey.
Fast forward to 2011, the entire production from the Marcellus Shale gas region had jumped to over 1 trillion cubic feet and comprised about 6% of US gas production. Yet, defying predictions that the gas boom would kill renewable energy, electricity generated by renewable energy within PJM doubled to 40 billion kilowatt-hours from 2005 to 2011. www.pjm.com/about-pjm/renewable-dashboard/renewables-today.aspx.
By the end of 2011, enough green power was being produced in PJM to power fully more than 4 million homes. And more green power is on the way into the PJM grid. You too can buy Pennsylvania wind for your home or business through http://www.choosepawind.com/.
While some still insist it is not possible, PJM is home both to the Marcellus Shale boom and booming renewable energy generation. That's a fact.
I've never understood why there isn't more of a push for hydro power in PA. We've got the water, we've got the elevation changes.... and many of the reservoirs that have been built around here have turned into very nice recreational facilities like Keystone Lake, Yellow Creek Lake, etc. Seems like win all around.
ReplyDelete