energy grid
Newsletter
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Efforts to revitalize Puerto Rico's grid face delays and challenges
Puerto Rico's struggle to modernize its electrical grid, despite substantial federal funding, is hindered by outdated infrastructure, privatization and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
In short:
- Despite $14 billion in federal funds allocated for grid transformation, implementation lags, leaving the island vulnerable to frequent blackouts.
- Privatization of the grid has led to decreased reliability and higher costs, as private companies prioritize profits over public service.
- Advocates push for decentralized renewable energy solutions, yet progress is slowed by political and financial obstacles.
Key quote:
“It’s frustrating for the people here to see that they thought that this was a big opportunity for improvement, and it’s the same. We’re still working with these big companies. . . . We’re still reliant upon someone else.”
— Lorena Vélez Miranda, attorney for Earthjustice
Why this matters:
Puerto Rico’s outdated and unreliable grid not only jeopardizes lives during storms but also threatens economic stability. A shift to decentralized, renewable energy could provide long-term resilience and self-sufficiency for the island.
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Texas power demand expected to nearly double by 2030, ERCOT predicts
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas forecasts that power demand in Texas could almost double by 2030 due to new demand calculation methods and a surge in large power users.
In short:
- ERCOT’s new prediction considers company requests for grid connections before finalization and an influx of large power users like data centers and hydrogen production facilities.
- Texas’s population growth and increased electrification in the oil and gas sector are major factors driving the expected surge in power demand.
- State officials are concerned about the potential strain on the grid and are considering more oversight and new infrastructure to meet the demand.
Key quote:
“All of that is putting together a picture of a very significant, different demand growth that is forcing us to really re-think how we’re looking at planning ... ”
— Pablo Vegas, president and CEO of ERCOT
Why this matters:
ERCOT’s forecast raises concerns about the state's ability to meet this demand without compromising environmental standards or public health. As Texas continues to attract businesses with its favorable economic conditions, the pressure mounts on the existing infrastructure, potentially leading to increased carbon emissions and higher pollution levels if fossil fuel usage is ramped up to meet the growing energy needs.
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Heat waves threaten power grid stability with potential blackouts
Prolonged heat waves could increasingly cause blackouts by overheating power transformers, particularly in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, new research indicates.
In short:
- Transformers, essential for regulating electricity to safe levels, are vulnerable to prolonged high temperatures.
- Cities like Phoenix may face over 120 days annually with temperatures that can degrade transformer performance, leading to potential blackouts.
- Power outages during heat waves pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations.
Key quote:
“When it’s hotter outside, our power plants are less efficient, and the transmission lines are less efficient, and the air conditioners are less efficient.”
— Michael Webber, professor of mechanical engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Why this matters:
As climate change leads to more frequent and intense heat waves, the strain on the electrical grid will increase, raising the risk of blackouts. This could result in severe public health crises during extreme heat events.
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Eclipse puts US power grid to the test
As the U.S. prepares for a solar eclipse on April 8, the event poses a unique challenge for the nation's solar-powered energy grid, potentially affecting millions.
In short:
- The eclipse will dramatically reduce solar power production across a wide swath of the US, impacting areas with a combined population exceeding 31 million.
- Power grid operators have planned meticulously to manage the sudden drop and subsequent surge in solar energy, ensuring a steady electricity supply.
- The situation is particularly critical in Texas, where recent hail storms damaged solar installations, adding another layer of complexity to managing the grid during the eclipse.
Key quote:
"ERCOT has analyzed the ramping challenges posed by the eclipse and will continue to monitor this aspect of the eclipse as updated weather forecasts are received."
— ERCOT spokesperson
Why this matters:
For solar-dependent regions, eclipses serve as a reminder of the variability of renewable energy sources and the importance of having a diverse energy portfolio. Despite the temporary disruption, solar eclipses are predictable events, allowing for advance planning to mitigate their impact on solar power generation.
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How generous subsidies helped Australia to become a leader in solar power
For a brief period over several weekends this spring, the state of South Australia, which has a population of 1.8m, did something no other place of a similar size can claim: generate enough energy from solar panels on the roofs of houses to meet virtually all its electricity needs.
Newsletter
Photo by Andrey Metelev on Unsplash
The US power grid quietly survived record summer heat waves without outages
With little acknowledgment and no applause, the power grid across the continental United States this summer quietly pulled off what may have been its most impressive feat ever.
Newsletter
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
Carbon-free grid? There may not be enough workers to build it
There have been widespread warnings that a looming shortage of energy workers may jeopardize President Joe Biden's climate goals. Here's what is true.
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