As I have mentioned in these BLOG posts and in Breach of Trust, the pressure to control fossil fuel-based production of electricity and oil supplies for the world’s transportation needs, leads a shadow government to invoke murder and mayhem on the world’s renewable energy researchers.
In the real world, however, the retirement of coal plants is underway. DTE Energy, an electric energy producer operating in the Midwest, for example, has begun to retire a number of its coal-generating power plants.
The figure below highlights the proposed timeline as outlined in January 2016. The use of coal to produce electricity drops off significantly after 2020. Sharp carbon reduction goals, as outlined in the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, require full utility operator compliance by 2030. Such a vigorous mandate is driving the closure of coal-generating facilities.
In the real world, however, the retirement of coal plants is underway. DTE Energy, an electric energy producer operating in the Midwest, for example, has begun to retire a number of its coal-generating power plants.
The figure below highlights the proposed timeline as outlined in January 2016. The use of coal to produce electricity drops off significantly after 2020. Sharp carbon reduction goals, as outlined in the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, require full utility operator compliance by 2030. Such a vigorous mandate is driving the closure of coal-generating facilities.
As it turns out, this should not be a significant financial burden on DTE Energy, since most of its coal facilities are upwards of 60 years old. Trenton Channel, St. Clair, and River Rouge were facilities initially brought on line to produce electricity in 1949, 1953, and 1957, respectively. Monroe and Belle River, the “new” facilities were activated as coal burners in 1971 and 1984, respectively. All of them will be retired by 2030.
In the near-term, renewable energy sources will pick up the slack in reduced coal-based electricity production. Two projects in particular are being looked at:
As you absorb this development, consider those individuals in positions of power who fiercely resist the implementation of renewable energy sources, simply because it’s not in their best financial interests.
Profit before people often carries the day.
As it turns out, this should not be a significant financial burden on DTE Energy, since most of its coal facilities are upwards of 60 years old. Trenton Channel, St. Clair, and River Rouge were facilities initially brought on line to produce electricity in 1949, 1953, and 1957, respectively. Monroe and Belle River, the “new” facilities were activated as coal burners in 1971 and 1984, respectively. All of them will be retired by 2030.
In the near-term, renewable energy sources will pick up the slack in reduced coal-based electricity production. Two projects in particular are being looked at:
- Wood-fired power plants, and
- Landfill gas-to-energy.
As you absorb this development, consider those individuals in positions of power who fiercely resist the implementation of renewable energy sources, simply because it’s not in their best financial interests.
Profit before people often carries the day.