FRENEMIES – WIND AND NAT GAS

…Bode reaching out to industry
Jim Roth, September 16, 2011 (The Journal Record)

"…[Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association] grew up in the heart of Oklahoma’s oil business and is the daughter of a Phillips Petroleum executive. She was the first woman to head the Independent Petroleum Association of America, promoting the interests of oil drillers, riggers and natural gas producers for seven years. She knows a lot about energy.

"…Bode is reaching out to the natural gas industry in hopes of firming up what she believes is a natural alliance…Bode said opportunities abound for wind and gas to partner…[B]oth are central parts of most utility generation planning…[and] should rely on each other to continue their success."

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"…[T]he country needs both wind and gas and that a partnership is a natural solution to our energy needs. By adding wind and natural gas to a generation portfolio, utilities are committing to the long-term security of the country and security for consumers, she said…

"She believes that having a diversified portfolio solution as America is shutting down more coal generation is something people want…The synergy between flexible natural gas-fired generation and renewable generation can benefit utilities’ generation portfolios and allow generators to avoid high compliance costs of continued reliance on coal…"