Energy security, as defined by the International Energy Agency, is about ensuring that energy sources are readily available and affordable. The combination of American coal and natural gas is seen as essential in maintaining this security. Additionally, advancements like Small Modular Reactors are expected by 2030 to further bolster the energy mix.
1. Legislative Efforts:
• Congressman Troy Balderson introduced “The Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy Security Act” aimed at ensuring U. S. energy independence while preserving baseload generation from coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy.
2. Importance of Baseload Power:
• Baseload power plants provide a steady and reliable electricity supply, which is crucial for digital infrastructures like data centers, especially as demand for electricity rises with advancements in AI.
3. Comparison of Energy Sources:
• Coal and natural gas are reliable and can be adjusted to match electricity demand, in contrast to wind and solar energy that depend on weather conditions and are less reliable.
• The U. S. Department of Energy categorizes renewables as "non-dispatchable," meaning they cannot guarantee electricity supply at all times.
• Recent electrical outages in Spain and Portugal highlight risks associated with relying too heavily on intermittent energy sources.
4. Capacity Value Assessment:
• "Capacity value" quantifies how much energy can be counted on during peak demand. Coal and gas are assigned high capacity values (80% and 75%, respectively), while wind and solar are projected to drop to as low as 19% and 10% by 2035.
5. Reliability in Crisis:
• During the 2025 Polar Vortex, coal and natural gas were the primary resources that maintained electricity supply, with renewables struggling due to unfavorable weather.
6. Affordability of Energy Sources:
• Current analysis shows coal and natural gas generate electricity at lower costs compared to wind and solar, which can be significantly more expensive due to initial capital and operational costs.
7. Future Projections:
• U. S. electricity needs are expected to increase by over 50% in the next decade, necessitating reliable power sources.
To meet increasing electricity demands and ensure energy affordability and reliability, the legislation proposed by Troy Balderson emphasizes the importance of maintaining and investing in coal, natural gas, and nuclear power. As the country works towards electrification, particularly for data centers, a stable energy foundation relying on dispatchable sources is vital for energy security.
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