Rural Missouri - September 2023 - 27

always blow at a consistent speed. Sometimes it is strong,
and other times it is weak or not present at all. Therefore,
the amount of electricity generated by wind turbines can
vary depending on the wind conditions. This makes wind
power intermittent as well.
Holden Power Plant
Peaking Generation: Serving sudden surges
Peaking generation refers to power plants designed to meet
the highest levels of electricity demand, typically during
short periods of time. These power plants are called upon
when there is a sudden surge in electricity use, such as
during hot summer days when air conditioners are running
at full capacity or freezing winter days when electric
heating ramps up. Like intermediate generation, peaking
power plants, often powered by natural gas or sometimes
fuel oil, start up and shut down very quickly. However,
peaking plants cost more to operate, so they provide the
extra electricity needed during peak use periods to ensure
a reliable supply.
Renewable Generation: Electricity when the sun
shines or wind blows
Renewable power generation, such as solar and wind
power, has an intermittent nature. This means the amount
of electricity they produce can vary depending on factors
such as weather conditions.
Solar power relies on sunlight to generate electricity.
It works best when the sun is shining directly on solar
panels. On cloudy days, the amount of sunlight decreases,
resulting in lower electricity production and no production
takes place overnight. This is why solar power is considered
intermittent - because it is not consistently available
during the day, at night or in all weather conditions.
Wind power relies on wind blowing to spin the turbine
blades and generate electricity. However, the wind does not
Advancements in energy storage technologies, like batteries,
are being developed to store excess renewable energy
when it is produced and release it later when there is high
demand or when renewable sources are not producing
electricity. However, the duration of stored power needed
for a large electric system, at an affordable price, is not a
reality now or near-term with current technologies.
A balance of energy supply sources delivers reliable
power to members
To overcome the inconsistent production of renewable
power generation, Associated Electric Cooperative and its
member-owners incorporate a balance of different energy
sources. By using traditional sources as the foundation,
wind when it is producing electricity and hydropower, it
creates a more reliable and balanced electricity supply.
Associated Electric Cooperative:
A Balanced Generation Profi le
Baseload Generation
New Madrid Power Plant, New Madrid, MO - 1,200 MW
Thomas Hill Energy Center, Clifton Hill, MO - 1,153 MW
Intermediate Generation
Chouteau Power Plant, Pryor, OK - 1,062 MW
Dell Power Plant, Dell, AR - 622 MW
St. Francis Power Plant, Glennonville, MO - 501 MW
Peaking Generation
Essex Power Plant, Essex, MO - 107 MW
Holden Power Plant, Holden, MO - 321 MW
Nodaway Power Plant, Maryville, MO - 182 MW
Unionville Power Plant, Unionville, MO - 44 MW
Alternative Generation (contracted)
Wind - 1,240 MW
Hydropower - 478 MW
White Cloud Wind Farm
SEPTEMBER 2023 | RURALMISSOURI.COOP 27
In contrast, baseload power generation, such as coal,
natural gas or nuclear power, are more consistent and
reliable in their electricity production. They can provide a
steady and constant supply of electricity because they are
not as dependent on weather conditions.
Hydropower generation is a way of producing electricity
using the power of moving water, such as rivers, dams or
waterfalls. It is a renewable energy source because water is
continuously replenished by the water cycle.
What about batteries?
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