3 ms·
> Solar and batteries may be amazing but global supply chains can be disrupted. Solar and batteries aren't consumables, so they're not particularly vulnerable
by bryanlarsen 1y ago
> Solar and batteries may be amazing but global supply chains can be disrupted.
Solar and batteries aren't consumables, so they're not particularly vulnerable to supply chain disruption. If we lose our supply of batteries, we'll have ~10 years or so to find an alternate supply. We won't be able to do new installations during the disruption, but existing installations don't stop working.
Unlike a fossil plant when the supply of fuel is disrupted.
- hvb2 1y agoYou may need small amounts of rare earth elements. Those are definitely a supply chain nightmare.
- pfdietz 1y agoNot for solar, and not for most forms of Li-ion batteries.
- Aloisius 1y agoYou need them for solar inverters, but you also need them for the turbines like those used to generate power with geothermal/wind/hydro/nuclear/etc.
- pfdietz 1y agoErbium perhaps for some power semiconductors, but in very small amounts. What's the use in turbines? Most generators associated with turbines don't use permanent magnets.
- PaulDavisThe1st 1y ago> but existing installations don't stop working. They will, albeit slowly.