> ... concern is that such a complex and interconnected system is likely to be fragile in unexpected ways. I second that. The robustness of the current global

> ... concern is that such a complex and interconnected system is likely to be fragile in unexpected ways. I second that. The robustness of the current global energy supply system based largely upon solid, liquid and gaseous fuels stems from its flexibility and inherent buffering capability and the fact that lots of the connections/links are loose/weak/interchangeable. (Supplier of fuel xy can be chosen relatively spontaneously, completely unlike some cable which invariably connects two fixed geographic locations.) An intercontinental electrical grid is in comparison dramatically less flexible. I'd call it grossly negligent to even attempt to implement a world spanning grid exceeding lets say 15 % of total power transmission.