Theoretically, hydropower can step in when wind turbines go
still, but barriers to this non-polluting resource serving as a backup are
largely policy- and regulation-based, according to Penn State researchers.
"We have a very clear realization that we need to make
energy systems more sustainable," said Seth A. Blumsack, assistant
professor of energy policy. "We want to reduce the environmental footprint
-- carbon dioxide and conventional pollutants."