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NEW: The Combined Power Plan
The University of Kassel in Germany has teamed up with some major players in solar, wind and biomass to demonstrate that the issue of intermittentcy in supply isn't a terminal flaw in renewable energy development. No problem with 100% renewable providing 24/7 power to the grid.
The secure and constant provision of power anywhere and at anytime by renewable energies is now made possible thanks to the Combined Power Plant. The Combined Power Plant links and controls 36 wind, solar, biomass and hydropower installations spread throughout Germany. It is just as reliable and powerful as a conventional large-scale power station.
The Combined Renewable Energy Power Plant shows how, through joint control of small and decentralised plants, it is possible to provide reliable electricity in accordance with needs. The Combined Power Plant optimally combines the advantages of various renewable energy sources. Wind turbines and solar modules help generate electricity in accordance with how much wind and sun is available. Biogas and hydropower are used to make up the difference: they are converted into electricity as needed in order to balance out short-term fluctuations, or are temporarily stored. Technically, there is nothing preventing us from 100 per cent provision with renewables.
The Combined Power Plant is an initiative of the companies Enercon GmbH, Schmack Biogas AG and SolarWorld AG, and is supported by many partners from the renewable energy sector.
Press release 9 October 2007 (pdf)
The Combined Power Plant - 7.24 Min.
Start film: The Combined Power Plant()
Download film: The Combined Power Plant (MPEG, 320 x 240, 35MB)
For further information (mainly in German) please visit the website www.kombikraftwerk.de
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