PacifiCorp files 2023 Integrated Resource Plan across six states
In a filing of its 2023 Integrated Resource Plan with six state utility commissions, PacifiCorp signaled a push for nearly four times its current wind and solar resources by 2032 and an expansion to 7,400 MW of energy storage by 2029.
The massive increase would bring PacifiCorp’s total wind and solar options to 20,000 MW within a decade, and represent major advances in decarbonization along the way. These efforts would stretch from the Rockies to the Pacific Coast and also include investments in advanced nuclear and non-emitting peaking resources to meet high demand energy needs. In this same area, the company also highlighted that it would continue explorations of carbon capture utilization and storage as a resource type, but does not yet intend to incorporate it into its portfolio.
“The advanced nuclear resources that appear in the plan represent a promising future for our employees and communities in rural Utah and Wyoming,” Rick Link, senior vice president of resource planning, procurement and optimization at PacifiCorp, said. “As we transition to a net-zero energy future, it is important to leverage the experience, skills and dedication of the communities that have supplied our energy needs for the past century.”
Overall, the company reported that this plan would result in a system-wide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 70 percent compared to 2005 levels by 2030. An 87 percent reduction would be gained within five years after, with a full 100 percent reduction achieved by 2050. This will be even more prevalent in western states under PacifiCorps’ area.
Among other things, investments will accelerate in Wyoming and Utah for new transmission, advanced nuclear, renewable energy, and storage resources. Transmission expansions will also be undertaken in Oregon and Idaho, including increased access to renewable resources, transfer capability, resource diversity, and improved resilience benefits.
Overall, the preferred portfolio includes wind and solar generation, battery storage, and an expansion of energy efficiency and customer demand-management programs.