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Future Research Needs
Several areas requiring further research, including basic resource assessments, refined power production potential estimates and data on transmission constraints, have been identified.
Fundamental assessments for wind, solar, biomass and geothermal resources are critical for planning purposes. New high-resolution wind power maps for Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah are scheduled for completion by 2003. These new maps will more accurately portray windy lands in each state, and can provide important data of seasonal and diurnal patterns for comparison to load profiles and transmission availability. Efforts are also underway to map solar radiation data in greater detail, which can assist in evaluating solar potential in shaving peak demand. Geothermal resource estimates are particularly difficult, as test drilling is generally required to determine whether a location is suitable for power production. However, a better understanding of geothermal modeling techniques could assist planners. Finally, improved biomass resource estimates would be helpful, particularly for Nevada, and updates of available wood wastes and forest residues may be needed.
For solar, biomass and geothermal, power production estimates hinge on many unknown components, including future cost reductions and technology innovations that will make these resources more competitive.
Transmission constraints represent a significant barrier to large-scale renewable resource development; however, renewables also stand to contribute greatly in the shift to increased reliance on distributed generation near loads. Information on the location and severity of transmission constraints and their relationship to geographic and temporal characteristics of the region's renewable resources will help in integrating these resources into the regional power grid.
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