Intermittance of Wind

While I applaud the goal of 20% wind, I am concerned ( having worked in renewable energy field for many years) that wind, being an intermittent resource, cannot be scheduled as conventional plants. We can learn from European experience, But the European grid is well established. In DOE document, 20% by 2030, the report proposes a huge network of transmission lines, which Obama is also planning. While I think it is absolutely necessary and it is great in creating jobs, it takes time to have a network to fully exploit the potential of wind. Global warming and international politics conflicts are too urgent to delay. In fact, a study on Ireland system shows that without storage, if wind is used in the fuel saving mode, wind may have negative benefits, because of scheduling base load plants less efficiently. We are in a pickle. Gas Tubine back up may be the bridge technology needed.