Which statement correctly describes baseload and peaking power, and the role of renewables?

• A. Baseload is steady, continuous electricity demand; peaking power meets short-term peak demand; renewables are variable and require storage or backup to balance supply.
• B. Baseload is for peak demand; peaking for constant demand.
• C. Renewables alone can always satisfy baseload without storage.
• D. Peaking power must be fossil-fuel-only.

Answer: (A)

Understanding how baseload and peaking power relate to renewables. Baseload is the minimum level of electricity demand that must be met continuously; baseload power plants run steadily to provide a constant baseline of supply. Peaking power is used to cover short-term spikes in demand, requiring fast-ramping capacity that can respond quickly to sudden increases. Renewables like solar and wind vary with weather and time of day, so their output isn’t constant. To keep a reliable grid, renewables are paired with storage (batteries, pumped hydro) or backup generation that can fill gaps when renewable output drops. That combination is why the statement fits best: baseload is steady, peaking power handles peak demand, and renewables are variable and require storage or backup to balance supply. The other ideas don’t fit as neatly: baseload isn’t for peak demand, renewables alone can’t always satisfy baseload without storage, and peaking power isn’t limited to fossil fuels.