4 ms·

Another factor to consider with nuclear is how it perpetuates complete dependence upon the grid, a single point of failure model. Perspective articulated here b

• intopieces 8y ago
  Nuclear doesn’t perpetuate complete dependence, because it has never been intended to be the sole provider of energy to its customers. Even the most ardent nuclear cheerleaders pose it as a single component in an energy mix.
  • arkh 8y ago
    Example with how the French grid handled a little added demand lately: https://translate.google.fr/translate?sl=fr&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fthreadreaderapp.com%2Fthread%2F1073608820071505921.html https://translate.google.fr/translate?sl=fr&tl=en&u=https%3A... Dams used as batteries charged by pumping water.
  • tpkj 8y ago
    "...a single component in an energy mix". And that mix relies on the grid? With nuclear or other centralized power source, yes.
    • intopieces 8y ago
      From your link, solar doesn't rely on the grid, and in fact it acts independently of it on some islands.
      • justtopost 8y ago
        For the network effects and efficencies, solar absolutly needs a grid. If not a grid, you need local storage, another inefficiency.
        • tpkj 8y ago
          "As utilities fight distributed generation, electricity is getting less reliable" https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2019/01/03/as-utilities-fight-distributed-generation-electricity-is-getting-less-reliable/ https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2019/01/03/as-utilities-fight-di...
        • jabl 8y ago
          IIRC there was some article linked to on hn some time ago where it was explained that most rooftop solar installations actually don't work at all without a grid. If the grid goes down, so does the solar. It's of course technically possible to fix, but costs more.
          • cesarb 8y ago
            The article you're thinking of was probably this one: https://syonyk.blogspot.com/2018/05/why-typical-home-solar-setup-does-not-work-off-grid.html https://syonyk.blogspot.com/2018/05/why-typical-home-solar-s...
            • jabl 8y ago
              Yes, exactly! I briefly tried to search for it, but failed. Thanks for digging it up!
        • tpkj 8y ago
          I think that is about to change in the near future. https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2018/08/20/enphase-going-einstein-with-iq8-solar-power-inverters/ https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2018/08/20/enphase-going-einstei... https://enphase.com/en-us/ensemble https://enphase.com/en-us/ensemble