8/22/2023 0 Comments Earth energy grid mapAn outdated grid with limited energy storage capacity and transmission capability can’t effectively manage the fluctuations in renewable energy production. Solar and wind power is variable depending on weather conditions, making it essential to have a grid capable of balancing supply and demand in real-time. But without clear financial incentives, utilities aren’t in any rush to pursue such endeavors.Ī key challenge of renewable energy generation is its intermittency. To take full advantage of renewables, these local and regional utilities need to coordinate on the production and placement of thousands of miles of new high voltage transmission lines that could send electricity generated by wind and solar for thousands of miles across multiple grid regions. Today’s grid is made up of a patchwork of local and regional interests often at odds with one another and developed to process locally sourced coal and gas into electricity that rarely gets transported more than a few dozen miles away. One of the key issues is the grid’s limited capacity to integrate renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.), a needed step if we’re to make the transition to a clean energy economy. Our outdated power grid is indeed a significant hindrance to efforts to combat climate change. Dear EarthTalk: How is America’s outdated power grid inhibiting efforts to fight climate change?
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