Shared Link
"Take Vermont. The wind resources it needs to hit its 2050 goal of 90% renewable energy lie in the northeast of the state, where the electric grid is fed by old or abandoned coal plants. Those airborn resources often are wasted because the transmission lines in that part of the state are insufficient and become easily congested. Coupled with this is the age-old problem of intermittency. Wind power doesn't perform to order as do coal or natural gas plants. Either the system must adapt to bursts of energy entering the grid when the wind blows or a storage solution must be developed so that electricity can be released on demand at a time when the transmission lines can cope, after the wind has died down."
Many American states, like countries around the globe, have the will to drive towards renewable energy but are struggling with the way to get there, facing all-too-familiar challenges: a lack of renewable energy storage and saddled with an electricity transmission grid designed for an earlier era.
Thank Victoria for the Post!
Energy Central contributors share their experience and insights for the benefit of other Members (like you). Please show them your appreciation by leaving a comment, 'liking' this post, or following this Member.
Sign in to Participate