05-12-2017, 11:38 AM
Renewable resources in North America are extensive and are expected to represent an increasing share of total resources. Large hydroelectric and geothermal resources are concentrated in fixed locations and can be easily dispatched. The wind and solar resources are more dispersed, they are far from the main load centers and their production is variable. A new electricity transmission infrastructure is needed to access newly developed renewable resources. For an optimal development of transmission, it is essential to adopt a long-term approach that reflects the characteristics of the sources that are connected. The transmission system must have the capacity to add these diverse renewable sources, transport usable power blocks to remote load centers and disperse the power to load entities that provide services efficiently and reliably.