3 ms·
Soon the grid will be just for backup
by singularity2001 1y ago
Soon the grid will be just for backup
- rdsubhas 1y agoBackup works for a few outliers. But when everyone needs that backup at the same time, it's not a backup anymore. From what we know... - baseload electricity generation is not economical or practical (reactive) as a pure backup. - a few grid-level mega-storage prototype projects, but nowhere near the scale of powering modern cities for a couple of off-weather days, or events where people congregate. The hope is that – a combination of "couple of hours" of grid-level battery, and use that time to bring up a baseload. But the economics of that is abysmal (high capex/opex for what's essentially "hoping as an investor" for a few off-days so that this thing gets used after all). Those micro-nuclear-plants seem to still have a place. As of now, grid as a backup is still only wishful thinking. Except for those who are already off-grid and changed their lifestyles to accomodate a few no-power days as a compromise.
- tim333 1y agoOr seasonal demand. Batteries can probably smooth the daily demand but not seasonal yet. Still the existing grid is probably ok for that.