The Core

Why We Are Here => Economics & Investing => Topic started by: ergophobe on October 30, 2023, 06:05:10 PM

Title: Energy Dept. Pours Billions Into Power Grids….
Post by: ergophobe on October 30, 2023, 06:05:10 PM
.... but Warns It's Not Enough

Quote

America's electric grids may need to expand by two-thirds by 2035 to handle future growth in clean energy, the agency said. The nation isn't on track.



https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/30/climate/energy-department-electric-grid.html
Title: Re: Energy Dept. Pours Billions Into Power Grids….
Post by: rcjordan on October 30, 2023, 08:17:35 PM
>isn't on track.

We knew that when we found out the a truckstop needs over 30mw peak power.

QuoteI have to admit that even though this is somewhat on my radar, I had not considered the demands of a truck stop. Over 30MW peak power is jaw dropping.

Roughy speaking, a large nuclear plant can supply just 70 truck stops at once. The Grand Coulee dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the US could supply just 200 truck stops. It's a staggering amount of juice.

It makes me wonder whether all this investment in chemical batteries will be just a bridge technology to liquid hydrogen.
Title: Re: Energy Dept. Pours Billions Into Power Grids….
Post by: Torben on October 31, 2023, 01:11:24 PM
Nuclear power will make a comeback with small modular reactors.
Title: Re: Energy Dept. Pours Billions Into Power Grids….
Post by: ergophobe on October 31, 2023, 06:22:24 PM
Ya, that quote sounds vaguely familiar ;-)

I think the news is not that they are on track, but that they are actually stepping up efforts with significant, albeit inadequate, infusions of cash. I found that encouraging actually.
Title: Re: Energy Dept. Pours Billions Into Power Grids….
Post by: rcjordan on November 01, 2023, 10:09:09 PM
We'll get serious when it routinely overwashes Wall St The Hamptons and Martha's Vineyard.