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There are a number of countries with very high renewable usage that are in cold climates. Denmark comes to mind, where, on average, it's right around freezing f

by MSM 6y ago

There are a number of countries with very high renewable usage that are in cold climates. Denmark comes to mind, where, on average, it's right around freezing for months at a time. Hell, they have turbines in the extremely corrosive oceans, getting blasted by freezing rain and they make it work. Last I saw they got something like 50% of their power from wind. Anyone who is using this event to say that renewables are a bad idea is selling a completely false narrative.

leesalminen 6y ago
I’m definitely not saying renewables are a bad idea, but I think there are some flaws in your comparison. For one, the delta from 32F (right around freezing) to 65F (heated home temp) is much less than 0F to 65F. Second, I’d imagine that buildings in Denmark are designed for this kind of cold. Unlike Texas where many homes have much less insulation because it rarely gets this cold. Both of these issues would compound the energy demand issue Texas is seeing right now.
- zamadatix 6y ago
  > For one, the delta from 32F (right around freezing) to 65F (heated home temp) is much less than 0F to 65F Not sure what you're trying to say with this point, the average low of e.g. Dallas is 39F not 0F. I'm quite sure the record low in Denmark is going to be lower than the record low in Dallas if that's what you intended to compare instead. The second issue is valid logic for why you need higher peak generation not why renewables can't supply it. Wind was overproducing estimates, the problem wasn't wind couldn't provide during the load period it was that the plants of all types weren't prepared to operate in the cold. . I think the main differences are: - Denmark is part of a larger grid system instead of independent - Denmark pays more for electricity - Denmark prepares its equipment for extreme conditions and I think these are all true for all power sources.
morsma 6y ago
We also have some of the most expensive power in the world. Kinda goes hand in hand it seems.

by MSM 6y ago

leesalminen 6y ago

I’m definitely not saying renewables are a bad idea, but I think there are some flaws in your comparison. For one, the delta from 32F (right around freezing) to 65F (heated home temp) is much less than 0F to 65F. Second, I’d imagine that buildings in Denmark are designed for this kind of cold. Unlike Texas where many homes have much less insulation because it rarely gets this cold. Both of these issues would compound the energy demand issue Texas is seeing right now.

zamadatix 6y ago
> For one, the delta from 32F (right around freezing) to 65F (heated home temp) is much less than 0F to 65F Not sure what you're trying to say with this point, the average low of e.g. Dallas is 39F not 0F. I'm quite sure the record low in Denmark is going to be lower than the record low in Dallas if that's what you intended to compare instead. The second issue is valid logic for why you need higher peak generation not why renewables can't supply it. Wind was overproducing estimates, the problem wasn't wind couldn't provide during the load period it was that the plants of all types weren't prepared to operate in the cold. . I think the main differences are: - Denmark is part of a larger grid system instead of independent - Denmark pays more for electricity - Denmark prepares its equipment for extreme conditions and I think these are all true for all power sources.

morsma 6y ago

We also have some of the most expensive power in the world. Kinda goes hand in hand it seems.