3 ms·
The better way to think about the grids energy mix is some matrix of reliability, predictability, and rotational mass. Solar and wind have no rotational mass,
by buckle8017 1y ago
The better way to think about the grids energy mix is some matrix of reliability, predictability, and rotational mass.
Solar and wind have no rotational mass, are unreliable and unpredictable
- crote 1y agoSolar and wind are extremely reliable, because they are distributed. Unlike large-scalec fossil or nuclear, a single plant going offline isn't a big deal. Solar and wind are quite predictable - it's just weather forecasting. We have a pretty good idea what it is going to produce 7 days from now - we just can't control it. Solar and wind can provide rotational mass. Existing installations just aren't engineered for it, because grid following makes more sense in a fossil-heavy grid. If extra inertia is needed, batteries are the perfect source for it, as it can instantly scale from -100 to +100 to soak up excess or fill in shortages. Or we can just install a bunch of flywheels, no big deal.