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The National Geographic article attempts to make the point that the problems in CA aren’t fundamentally an issue with renewables. CA’s specific mishandling of
by zaroth 6y ago
The National Geographic article attempts to make the point that the problems in CA aren’t fundamentally an issue with renewables.
CA’s specific mishandling of their push for a renewable-heavy power supply is the cause, but renewables aren’t inherently the cause.
This is technically true in a way, while denying the reality of the situation on the ground in CA.
- pydry 6y agoA lack of forecasting and reliance upon energy imports that are not supported by long term contracts aren't problems that are intrinsically all that hard to fix either. It just requires a bit more competence in running the grid. California has had a history of poor management of its electric grid (remember enron?). A wholesale switch to nuclear is a vastly expensive and not terribly effective fix for poor grid management.
- csours 6y agoI remember that California pointed the finger at FERC and Enron. I remember that Enron played the regulations like a fiddle, shutting down plants do drive up spot prices. I guess I don't know who is responsible for what exactly, and what California could have done better.
- nickpp 6y agoConsidering that Enron is gone and California still has blackouts, I guess the problem lays with the state?!
- ip26 6y agoWasn't half of the problem in CA due to unexpected natural gas plant power-downs? That was hardly renewable's fault.
- 7952 6y agoI don't think the fundamentals of the technology are ever the most important aspect of the debate. What constrains us are human, political and market factors. That is why America has been slow to adopt renewables and why the nuclear industry has declined. That is why the US grid is in such a poor state.