Renewable Energy Flashcards
6 cards from real Energy and Utilities practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Renewable Energy flashcards as text
What does REC stand for in renewable energy markets?
Answer: Renewable Energy Certificate
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are tradable instruments representing 1 MWh of electricity generated from a renewable source.
What is the 'duck curve' phenomenon in power grid management?
Answer: A daily load shape with a midday solar dip and steep evening ramp resembling a duck
The duck curve describes how high midday solar generation depresses net load, then demand ramps sharply when solar fades in the evening.
What is the nameplate capacity of a wind turbine?
Answer: The maximum rated power output under ideal conditions
Nameplate capacity is the manufacturer-rated maximum power output (in MW) a turbine can produce at its rated wind speed.
What is 'curtailment' in the context of wind or solar power?
Answer: Reducing output below what could be generated due to grid constraints or excess supply
Curtailment occurs when operators instruct renewable plants to reduce output because transmission constraints or oversupply prevents the energy from being used.
Which battery chemistry is most commonly deployed in utility-scale energy storage systems in the US?
Answer: Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion batteries dominate utility-scale storage due to their high energy density, declining costs, and fast response times.
What is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in renewable energy?
Answer: A long-term contract to buy electricity from a renewable generator at a fixed price
A PPA is a long-term contract between a renewable energy developer and a buyer specifying the price and terms for electricity delivery.