My understanding is that it is a timing thing, the reserve has to be instantly available when the wind drops.

The grid would not need nearly so much reserve if wind generation operated at reduced efficiency (10% lower) and that 10% could be called upon when the wind dropped.

In this way the renewable generation (wind) would cover the vast majority of its own spinning reserve.

Try telling this to the people getting the money from the electrical output. A new pricing structure is (WAS) needed!

Posted By: tonyThe grid would not need nearly so much reserve if wind generation operated at reduced efficiency (10% lower) and that 10% could be called upon when the wind dropped.

In this way the renewable generation (wind) would cover the vast majority of its own spinning reserve.

Not sure it works like that. I know what your getting at, but as wind power is reliant on wind speed (the cube rule), if the speed drops even 1/2m/s then you don't have your reserve. So it would be like using your car at no more than 90% performance until the fuel runs out and then wondering why it does not go. All about energy and power, they are not the same thing.

Posted By: CWattersWho can predict where the economy will be in say 5-10 years?

Statisticians and Economists, Black Cab drivers have proved to be pretty reliable, as well as lots of people at Glastonbury if they have been taking the right pills or powders.

One way to gauge the state of future economy is to look at the very large independent companies and financial brokers. When they start selling you know it is on the way down, when they set up new enterprises it is on the way up. So Richard Branson tends to sell just in time, Warren Buffet said 'when others are buying sell, when they are selling buy, but do your homework'

Network Operators are pretty good at knowing what is happening, been a long time since they got it wrong, may be worth looking into their investment plans to get a good idea of what is expected.