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baseload

baseload

2 5.8
The minimum level of demand or supply a system needs at all times
  • noun
  • /ˈbeɪsloʊd/
  • Specialized
: demanda base
  • The optimal ratio of baseload to peaking capacity is around 70/30, at adequate reserves.
  • baseload generators
  • baseload power
  • baseload plants

Examples

  • Coal-fired and nuclear power plants are the classic baseload resources.

    Academic text (2005)
  • We are not short of baseload power to recharge electric cars.

    Blog text (11)
  • Conventional generation requires a grid because there are great economies of scale in baseload generating units.

    Blog text (16)
  • Doubling nuclear capacity for electricity baseload would reduce the need for coal capacity rather substantially.

    Blog text (21)
  • Practically speaking, when looking at baseload generation options, the issue boils down to coal vs. nuclear.

    Blog text (22)
  • Although geothermal plants are especially good for meeting baseload power, wind turbines have certain other advantages.

    Academic text (2011)
  • If the peakers are supplying baseload, what provides the electricity during peaking?

    Blog text (4)
  • Interestingly, this is true whether the baseload resources you are talking about are coal, gas CC, nuclear, or wind.

    Blog text (32)
  • Small plants can be operated differently from conventionally sized nuclear plants, which are typically used to provide baseload power to a large regional or national grid.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Nuclear power plants provide a reliable source of baseload electricity needed to meet everyday demand.

Antonyms

91 4.2

To reach the highest point in amount or quality

How Much

overload
  • Specialized
24 4.8
to peak
91 4.2
baseload
  • Specialized
2 5.8

Surface Forms

baseload singular
baseloads plural

Morphology

baseload = base + load (transparent) = base + load

The compound directly denotes the foundational level of demand or supply, so learners can infer its meaning from the components despite its technical usage.

Etymology

Baseload comes from base ('foundation') and load ('amount' or 'weight'). Think of it as the steady amount you always carry or need, so baseload means the minimum level of demand or supply that must be available all the time.