Green Consumption: Can We Build The Electrical Grid Needed?
Travis Hannah - Area Sales and Digital Engagement
Life Safety Circuits are <10% of the EC package, yet do >95% of the heavy lifting in an Emergency! Downtime is not an option.
Time Does Tell: The Electrifying History of the US National Grid
"We will make electricity so cheap that only the rich will burn candles"-- Thomas A. Edison
They say history often has a way of repeating itself, but in the world of electrical infrastructure, innovation and transformation are constants.
In the late 19th century, a lightning spark dominated the landscape as Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla/Westinghouse battled over competing electrical systems. Edison's direct current (DC) and Tesla's alternating current (AC) fought for dominance. AC eventually triumphed due to its ability to transmit electricity over longer distances, paving the way for the birth of the US national power grid.
The early 20th century rapidly expanded of the grid, connecting power plants, substations, and consumers across the country. This phase 1 electrification of America spurred industrial growth, transforming society as never before. The grid became the silent backbone of progress, quietly humming with energy and potential.
Current Challenges: Can the National Power Grid Support the Green Transition?
With the "Green Transition", as it has become known, our reliance on the national power grid is more crucial than ever. The shift toward 100% green energy sources presents both opportunities and challenges that require a robust and adaptive infrastructure. But can our long suffering creaky grid rise to the occasion?
Recent studies, such as the one conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) [^1], identify the potential for a 100% clean electricity future by 2035. This bold vision, however, requires a comprehensive overhaul of the grid. The integration of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power needs a flexible grid that can accommodate random fluctuations in generation.
But what about the costs? Bloomberg's research [^6] illustrates the standing balance between energy, land use, and the economy as a whole. Transitioning to green energy requires investment in new transmission lines, energy storage systems, and smart grid technologies. These capital costs, while substantial, must be put up against the long-term benefits of reduced carbon output, improved air quality, and national energy security.
Amping Up for Change: The Price Tag of a Green Grid
Projected costs for building out the electrical infrastructure to support a green energy future are big, but not insurmountable, if we are up to the task. According to the 2022 NREL study [^1], achieving a 100% clean electricity scenario by 2035 might require an investment of around $1.5 trillion (based on 2022 costs, which historically can see double or triple completion rises, which could put the final numbers closer to $5 trillion at completion). While this figure might seem overwhelming, it's important to remember that it's spread over a period of several years and comes with significant environmental and economic advantages.
Consider Germany's Energiewende, or "Energy Transition." The country has invested heavily in renewables and grid enhancements over the past decades. While the upfront costs were substantial, they've managed to significantly reduce their carbon footprint and establish themselves as a global leader in renewable energy.
Back in the states, regions have taken bold steps. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) learned the hard way about the importance of grid resilience during the winter storm of 2021 [^7]. The incident emphasized the necessity of upgrading infrastructure to ensure reliable energy delivery, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Watt's Next: The Grid's Electrifying Future
As the demand for low emissions energy surges, the US electrical grid faces a monumental task of reinvention and construction. The challenges are considerable, from technological advancements in controls systems, to regulatory adaptations for flexibility. However, the potential impacts are equally significant, ranging from cleaner air to a more stable domestic based energy supply.
To course this electrifying future successfully, a holistic approach is needed. Investment in research, development, and implementation of smart grid technologies will be key to efficiently managing fluctuating energy sources entering the grid at any one time. Additionally, collaboration between government, private industry, and academia will drive continuity of support (administration changes), innovation and problem-solving.
Can we build the electrical grid needed to support the green transition? The answer is "yes.", if we are willing? History has shown that innovation and determination can overcome even the most formidable obstacles, even in turbulent political and economic conditions. The US national grid's journey from Edison to clean energy is a monument to the power of human achievement, and with the right approach, and determination, from all sides, we can continue to light the way toward a greener future.
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