baseload

noun

base·​load ˈbās-ˌlōd How to pronounce baseload (audio)
: the amount of power made available by an energy producer (such as a power plant) to meet fundamental demands by consumers
—often used before another noun
baseload power
Wind and solar have the drag of unreliability. Unless attached to costly batteries they are useless for meeting baseload demand.— Jonathan Fahey

Examples of baseload in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This reflects a strategic prioritization of reliable baseload power over the complexities of decentralized renewable energy grids. — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 While nuclear power remains a steady source of baseload energy, renewables like solar and wind have surged forward with groundbreaking innovations. — Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 The former chair of the Maryland Public Service Commission Jason Stanek has said that the short-term solution is to ensure no shutdowns of Maryland’s existing baseload power plants until new generating sources are brought online and deployed. — Michelle Bloodworth, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2025 The effectiveness of those reforms has been enhanced by the addition of more than 20 GW of new solar capacity, 10 GW of stationary battery storage, and more natural gas baseload generation since February, 2021. — David Blackmon, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for baseload

Word History

Etymology

base entry 1 + load entry 1

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baseload was in 1907

Rhymes for baseload

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baseload
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Cite this Entry

“Baseload.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baseload. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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