ClimateJuly 13, 2026
baseload
/ˈbeɪsˌloʊd/
Definition
The minimum level of electric power demand required to be continuously supplied to the grid to maintain reliable service.
Etymology
A compound word derived from 'base' (meaning the bottom or foundation) and 'load' (the amount of power carried by a system). It emerged in mid-20th-century technical engineering contexts to describe the foundational, non-fluctuating portion of electrical utility requirements.
In the news
In this article, baseload power is highlighted as a critical requirement for maintaining grid stability, especially as variable renewable energy sources and high-demand AI data centers strain current capacity.
Net Zero and Power Problems
Read the full article ↗Energy News Beat