Montana’s Renewable Economy Continues to Grow
When people think of the economy in the state of Montana, the overwhelming majority of people will think of resource extraction. Montana has a long and rather dark history of resource extraction dating back to the days of Butte’s three copper kings, and all the way up to today’s still powerful coal and natural gas trade. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that fossil fuel extraction still reigns supreme in the Big Sky state, Montana has the largest underground natural gas storage site in the United States, as well as the nation’s largest recoverable coal reserves.
Still, in spite of the state’s storied relationship with fossil fuel extraction, Montana is investing in renewable energy more than ever before. According to the Energy Information Administration, Montana ranks 10th among all states in percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources. Below we will examine a few of the ways in which Montana is investing in renewable energy, and has some of the highest green energy potential of all states.
Wind Energy
One of the most notable renewable energy sources that will continue to grow in the state of Montana is wind energy. According to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) wind power accounted for approximately 12% of all electricity generated in the state of Montana. Wind energy is one of the pillars of Montana’s renewable energy plan, now and moving forward. According to studies conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Montana has the fifth highest onshore wind energy potential in the United States.
While Montana will likely never fully reach the state’s full capacity for wind energy potential, it is encouraging to recognize the green energy potential from wind alone. According to the American Wind Energy Association, Montana possesses the capacity to power 6.4 million homes in the United States from wind energy.
Hydroelectric Power
In the state of Montana, our ability to produce renewable energy is largely dependent on our current production of hydroelectric power. A staggering 41% of Montana’s electricity production comes from hydroelectric power, ranking just below coal-fired power plants (43%) as the state’s largest producer of electricity. There are legitimate concerns related to the production of hydroelectric power due to the environmental impact of dams, in the reservoirs and downstream. That said, hydroelectric power does not require massive dams to cultivate effective energy production. According to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), smaller dams with steady flow can be economically and energetically productive while having less of a negative environmental impact.
In short, hydroelectric is by no means the best source of renewable energy, but it does represent an alternative to fossil fuels. As Montana moves further into the renewable energy economy, the hope is that other energy sources can supply a greater percentage of Montana’s renewable energy production.
Solar Power
Solar power is obviously close to our hearts at Northstone Solar, and is also becoming a bigger player in Montana's renewable energy economy. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Montana continues to rise in the national rankings for solar and currently has enough solar installed statewide to power close to 17,000 homes across the state.
While there are a number of misconceptions regarding the viability of solar in Montana, residents throughout the state are beginning to see solar as not only environmentally sustainable but economically beneficial as well. The total solar investment in the state sits at $185 million, and continues to rise. For more information on solar installations, contact us today for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.montana.edu/wind/windinmontana.html
https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/montana-solar