4 ms·
Backup 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
by rdsubhas 1y ago
Backup 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.