Physics 162 Fourth Homework Assignment

  1. Little known to most people living in the Pacific Northwest, the use of Coal as part of our electricity profile has been increasing over the last few years. There are two main reasons why this occurring - do some outside research and determine the main causes of our increasing use of Coal and where that coal comes from.

  2. As of 2010, what is the approximate total percentage of nameplate capacity Wind generated electricity in Washington and Oregon compared to all sources of electricity generation in those states. State profiles can be found here . What are the plans for future expansion of wind resources in Oregon and Washington The American Wind Energy Organization may help here.

  3. Research and report on the Geothermal capacity of the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana). Identify any current or planned projects that are underway. Also, research the performance of the Geysers project Geothermal plant in California and explain why it is losing capacity over time.

  4. Research and report on the total power requirements in the Pacific Northwest (in units of MegaWatts). How much of that power is currently in the form of hydroelectricity. Given what you found for questions 2 and 3, do you think its feasible to remove these dams and replace that power with either wind or geothermal?