Comments on: Energy 101: Where Does Our Power Come From?

By: cb736

cb736 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:59:51 +0000

Actually there is nothing different about using 100% renewable energy from the way we use the grid today, other than the fact that we have to use transmission lines and storage while with non-renewable energy they are not required to the same degree. What is needed is not a smart grid, but a smart consumer – and smart producers. There are already devices that sense load changes, due to the frequency change in the grid, and can shut down until the frequency recovers. The only difference between using non-renewable and renewable energy is that we need more storage, and more transmission, so that we can store energy for when we need it, and move it, through transmission lines, to where it can be used. We already use both, we just need to build more for when we switch over to 100% renewable. A smart grid is not needed.

By: cb736

cb736 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:58:28 +0000

Actually there is nothing different about using 100% renewable energy from the way we use the grid today, other than the fact that we have to use transmission lines and storage while with none renewable energy they are not required to the same degree. What is needed is not a smart grid, but a smart consumer – and smart producers. There are already devices that sense load changes, due to the frequency change in the grid, and can shut down until the frequency recovers. The only difference between using non-renewable and renewable energy is that we need more storage, and more transmission, so that we can store energy for when we need it, and move it, through transmission lines, to where it can be used. We already use both, we just need to build more for when we switch over to 100% renewable. A smart grid is not needed.

By: alexjameslowe

alexjameslowe — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:08:35 +0000

I hope they can build the smart-grid system in short order. That seems like it’s one of a small group of technical hurdles that have to be overcome in order to have a true renewable energy economy. The others being cheap, efficient solar panels, and solid-state hydrogen storage. If we can get those ducks are in a row, we might be alright.

By: jeanX

jeanX — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:08:43 +0000

I read it can only be used on edges of tectonic plates, a very narrow range.
Geothermal power often requires drilling to great depths.
Whereas geothermal hvac can be used just about anywhere.
Only thing is, it’s very expensive.