The Superb Grid vs. the SuperGrid
Please see the article by Sam Carana on how a larger grid, yet a simultaneously more locally-run grid, can be implemented. The purpose is to capture as much of the electricity being generated as possible while keeping a local level of control, to try to avoid undue influence by those who fail to understand the details of energy policy. Read about how many parts of Europe already have surplus electricity, and how countries are linking their grids together to improve efficiency. Part of the rationale for such arrangements in Europe is that countries which generate a lot of electricity from wind can necessarily control when that electricity is most plentiful, but they don’t want it wasted. At the same time, such European countries may need electricity from other sources, say hydroelectric plants in a neighboring country, when wind power isn’t sufficient. Similar arrangements could be made throughout North America. See what Sam has to say! He gives lots of sources for his comments and information.
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November 23, 2008 at 2:01 am
Where did you get your blog layout from? I’d like to get one like it for my blog.
November 23, 2008 at 12:57 pm
There is a new world wide web emerging right before our eyes.
It is a global energy network and, like the internet, it will change our culture, society and how we do business. More importantly, it will alter how we use, transform and exchange energy.
Enough solar energy falls on the surface of the earth every 40 minutes to meet 100 percent of the entire world’s energy needs for a full year.
There is no energy supply problem, there is an energy distribution problem — and the emerging solution is a new world wide web of electricity.
For more information, see http://www.terrawatts.com
November 23, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Thanks for the link, Michael. I completely agree with your statement “There is no energy supply problem, there is an energy distribution problem — and the emerging solution is a new world wide web of electricity.” Sam would agree, too- it is one of the concepts he writes about.
There is a lot of specific information available about the huge losses of energy that occur with present electricity transmission methods (and other energy distribution methods should be included in the problem, including the transportation of oil over long distances, across oceans, etc.). Our current energy distribution system is remarkably inefficient, though it is a big money maker for some companies and countries.
Thanks again for the comment.
December 6, 2008 at 1:27 am
Bruce, I’m using a standard wordpress.com layout.
December 8, 2008 at 5:20 am
Chemistry can really lead to a much better world