A 100% wind, water, sunlight (WWS) all-sector energy plan for Washington State

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.