Power transmission is really efficient, HVDC is around 3% per 1000km, AC is around 6%. It is more efficient to put solar panels in sunny areas and transmit acro

Power transmission is really efficient, HVDC is around 3% per 1000km, AC is around 6%. It is more efficient to put solar panels in sunny areas and transmit across country than have less efficient local ones. Oregon where I live is bad for solar with lots of rain, it is better to put panels in California desert and bring up here. Food is similar where transportation doesn't matter much. Staple foods can be shipped by train, barge, and ship which reduces the cost. Some places are better at growing food. The canonical example is that New Zealand is so much better in growing sheep that more efficient to ship lamb by air. Growing local only makes sense for vegetables that need to be fresh or don't transport well.