Elsevier, Renewable Energy, (86), p. 75-88, 2016
DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.08.003
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This study analyzes the potential and consequences of Washington State's use of wind, water, and sunlight (WWS) to produce electricity and electrolytic hydrogen for 100% of its all-purposes energy (electricity, transportation, heating/cooling, industry) by 2050, with 80-85% conversion by 2030. Electrification plus modest efficiency measures can reduce Washington State's 2050 end-use power demand by ~39.9%, with ~80% of the reduction due to electrification, and can stabilize energy prices since WWS fuel costs are zero. The remaining demand can be met, in one scenario, with ~35% onshore wind, ~13% offshore wind, ~10.73% utility-scale PV, ~2.9% residential PV, ~1.5% commercial/government PV, ~0.65% geothermal, ~0.5% wave, ~0.3% tidal, and ~35.42% hydropower. Converting will require only 0.08% of the state's land for new footprint and ~2% for spacing between new wind turbines (spacing that can be used for multiple purposes). It will further result in each person in the state saving ~$85/yr in direct energy costs and ~$950/yr in health costs [eliminating ~830 (190-1950)/yr statewide premature air pollution mortalities] while reducing global climate costs by ~$4200/person/yr (all in 2013 dollars). Converting will therefore improve health and climate while reducing costs.