Our national electrical grid is adding more wind and solar power capacity every year. This is creating a power mix that releases fewer emissions, and that’s great! However, it’s also putting the country’s power reliability and affordability further at the mercy of the weather.

Just as farmers can be affected by long stretches of no rain, wind energy can be affected by long stretches of no wind – called wind droughts. It’s a natural phenomenon that is gaining attention and scientific examination as countries rely more heavily on wind power.

Notable examples of wind drought have occurred in the United States. In January-February 2020, the electric grid operator for the middle portion of the country (including parts of North Dakota and Minnesota) reported a stretch of 60 days with an average hourly wind output of 8,000 megawatts (MW) – approximately one-third of its generating capacity. However, during a 40-hour block in the middle of those two months, average output dropped to less than 47 MW. Electricity market prices soared as utilities scrambled to find resources to fill the energy gap. A year later during 2021’s historic Winter Storm Uri, which caused blackouts in Texas and other states, several grid operators reported 12 consecutive days of low wind input.

Minnkota Power Cooperative, our wholesale power provider, supports wind power as an important part of its generation portfolio. In fact, wind power accounts for 34% of Minnkota’s generation capacity. However, until better energy storage technology is developed to harness wind power as the wind blows, the cooperative will continue to rely on its coal-based Milton R. Young Station as the backbone of its energy mix. This steadfast source of baseload electricity protects our members from high energy costs and energy deficits that could lead to power outages.

Coal doesn’t care if the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. As Minnkota pursues emissions-reducing technology like carbon capture and storage, your power will continue to become more sustainable. Weather – be it droughts or otherwise – will not stop you from receiving the affordable, reliable, environmentally responsible electricity you deserve as a Beltrami Electric Cooperative Member.

Wind drought – an extended period of time that an area lacks wind, or experiences slower-than-usual wind speeds