WSP02437 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 11 As of January 1, 1982, installed generating capability totaled 120,734 MW. The net generation additions, which reflect new units, retirements and reratings totaled 2,230 MW during 1981 as detailed below: NET GENERATION ADDITIONS (Winter Capability - MW) Hydro - Conventional 426 Combined Cycle 0 Hydro - Pumped Storage 100 Geothermal -10 Steam - Coal 1,464 Internal Combustion 5 Steam - Gas & Oil -249 Cogeneration 6 Nuclear 0 Other 7 Combustion Turbine 481 Total 2,230 Figure 3 graphically portrays the mix of existing WSCC generation as of January 1, 1982, and Table 9 summarizes the existing generation by type and area. Figure 4 and Table 10 indicate the generation additions by type that are planned during the ten-year period. In addition, Table 11 indicates the annual generation additions by type and year, and Table 12 and Figure 5 show the 1991 generation composite planned for the WSCC region. Generation additions projected for the 1982-1991 period reflect the heavy reliance that is being placed on coal and nuclear resources. Coal-fired generating units account for 49.3 percent of the generation additions planned through 1991, and nuclear facilities represent 26.9 percent of the planned additions. As of December 31, 1991 installed. generating capability is projected to total 166,414 MW. Coal-fired and nuclear resources are projected to be 29.3 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively, of the total installed capability. Continued development of coal and nuclear resources will allow the utility industry to meet future energy requirements and minimize its dependence on oil. Annual revisions to reported planned generation additions reflect the continuing difficulty in licensing and constructing nuclear facilities. The present concern regarding the safety of nuclear generation facilities and the inability to finance, construct and receive operating licenses for nuclear power plants are factors limiting the development of these facilities. Cancellations or deferments of coal and nuclear resources will postpone the retirement of older oil and gas-fired units, thereby increasing the burden on these less efficient units and extending the dependence on oil as a primary fuel. The increased operation of older units may also result in a higher incidence of equipment failure and reduced bulk power supply reliability. The delay of new non-oil-fired facilities, due to reduced load growth rate projections and anticipated conservation efforts, will promote continued reliance on less economical oil-fired generation. The current dependence on oil and gas for electric energy production cannot be reduced until non-oil-fired generating facilities are placed in operation. The slight decrease portrayed for "Generation and Firm Transfers" from 1978 to 1979 as shown in Figure 6 is due to the Northwest