An examination of how future natural gas price and availability may affect deployment of IGCC and wind power. Starts with the statement that electric power decisions are difficult at present because of these kinds of uncertainties: (1) regulatory model and recovery of investments; (2) environmental uncertainties and standards ; and (3) technological change.

Author reaches three conclusions: (1) The dash to gas continues perhaps accelerates in terms of consumption; (2) Wind can dampen some forms of volatility and environmental risk; and (3) Coal, while unpopular is a reliable and stable source of generation and IGCC offers many future benefits to make coal more productive in the future.

© 2009 Fred H. Hutchison  (www.clean-energy.us)