What can be done with the excess power generated during the winter months?
Monhegan is not connected to the mainland by a submarine cable so excess power cannot be sent back to the grid. In order to avoid “dumping” 50% of the electricity generated, MPPD will need to develop a way to immediately dispatch or store the excess electricity that is generated during the winter months. One particularly promising option would be to reduce the rate for wind-generated electricity and use it for space heating. Another option would be to use it to generate ammonia that could serve as a fuel to run in slightly modified generators. In both cases, these applications could help to reduce energy costs on the island could be even further.
