Climate Change & Energy Supply
Introduction
Montana’s energy supply may also be divided in two. The first part is the production of natural gas, electricity, oil, and the other sources of energy that reside on the “supply side.” This also includes the infrastructure that supports these energy sources – the coal-fired thermo-generators, the oil refineries, collector and distribution pipelines, and electric transmission lines. These all contribute significant quantities of greenhouse gases.
The second part is the state’s renewable energy supply. As stated elsewhere, Montana’s hydro-electric power supply stations do not contribute greenhouse gases. The state also has a budding wind generation industry. Solar applications, while currently very small, may be poised for a production breakthrough. Combined heat and power applications also have a firm foothold in the state.
