COMMENTS: 23
Why Obama's Plan to Help Renewable Energy May Backfire and Aid Big Coal
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The new mantra in energy circles is "national smart grid."
In the New York Times, Al Gore insists the new president should give the highest priority to "the planning and construction of a unified national smart grid." President Barack Obama, responding to a question by MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, declares that one of "the most important infrastructure projects that we need is a whole new electricity grid ... a smart grid."
We lump together the two words, "national" and "smart" as if they were joined at the hip, but in fact each describes and enables a very different electricity future. The word "national" in these discussions refers to the construction of tens of thousands of miles of new national ultra-high-voltage transmission lines, an initiative that would further separate power plants from consumers, and those who make the electricity decisions from those who feel the impact of those decisions.
The word "smart," on the other hand, refers to upgrading the existing network to make it more resilient and efficient. A smart grid can decentralize both generation and authority. Sophisticated electronic sensors, wireless communication, software and ever-more powerful computers will connect electricity customers and suppliers in real time, making possible a future in which tens of millions of households and businesses actively interact with the electricity network as both consumers and producers.
Advocates of a new national ultra-high-voltage transmission network offer three main arguments:
1. New high-voltage transmission lines are needed to decrease electric grid congestion and therefore increase reliability and security.
There is indeed congestion on some parts of our distribution and transmission networks. Congestion reveals a problem; it doesn't demand a specific solution. It can be addressed by reducing demand through increasing energy efficiency or by increasing on-site or local energy production, strategies often less costly and quicker to implement than building new transmission lines. An analogy from the solid-waste sector may be appropriate. Exhausting nearby landfills does not inevitably require us to send our garbage to newly constructed and more distant landfills. We can emphasize recycling, composting, scrap-based manufacturing and reuse.
2. A new national high-voltage transmission network is necessary to dramatically increase renewable energy.
President Obama wants to build new transmission lines because, "I want to be able to get wind power from North Dakota to population centers, like Chicago." Writing in Vanity Fair, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants a new high-voltage transmission system to "deliver solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy across the country."
But do we really need to deliver renewable energy across the country? The distinguishing characteristic of renewable energy is its availability in abundant quantities virtually everywhere.
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance recently pulled together the modest amount of data available on the amount of renewable energy available in each state. Our report, "Energy Self-Reliant States," concludes that at least half the 50 states could meet all of their internal electricity demand with renewable energy found inside their borders, and all states could meet their current renewable electricity mandates from homegrown energy sources.
High-voltage transmission lines are not necessary to dramatically expand renewable-energy generation. But they are essential if we want to expand coal-generated electricity, because coal is found in limited places, and coal-fired power plants tend to be very large and therefore must serve very large markets. This is why, until recently, the primary advocates for new high-voltage transmission lines were those who wanted to construct large coal-fired power plants.
One of the most effective ways to stop new coal-fired power plants is to stop building new high-voltage transmission lines.
Before building new transmission lines, we should first investigate how much capacity there is on existing lines. Tellingly, that data is not readily available. A several-year campaign in Minnesota by the North American Water Office led to the nation's first utility-led analysis of the capacity on the existing transmission system in one part of the state. The results were so positive the state legislature ordered the utilities to expand the analysis.
The most recent study's data suggest that Minnesota can achieve its renewable electricity mandate of 25 percent by 2020 without building any major new networks of high-voltage transmission lines (a report summarizing the utilities' studies is available at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance Web site).
3. New transmission lines allow us to harness renewable energy in its best locations, thereby lowering costs.
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COMMENTS ( 23 )
Comments are closed-
Posted by: gunboat diplomat on Feb 6, 2009 12:18 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
In the end, cities and states will have to take the initiative on restructuring their own local power systems. Long-distance transmission can be useful in some cases (for example, offshore wind power generation, or desert-located concentrating solar ower plants), but most areas will rely on a mix of locally-generated and imported power.
The real problem with Obama's energy plan is the refusal to focus on replacing coal with solar and wind power, as Germany has been doing.
Right now, there is major political pressure on Obama aimed at halting any clean energy initiatives (or health care improvements), and so far it is working. This discussion about the grid and weatherstripping homes is typical - it actually reminds me of Bush's earnest calls for a "hydrogen economy", while it ignores the really viable renewable energy sources: sunlight and wind, plus some tidal and geothermal power.
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» RE: A "smart grid" is one that can store and release energy on demand.
Posted by: richholland
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Posted by: Jonalist on Feb 6, 2009 4:06 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
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Posted by: PaulK on Feb 6, 2009 4:53 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
At this point I'll acknowledge the up-and-coming pumped air storage technique. They're pumping compressed air into an abandoned limestone mine in Ohio, then releasing it through turbines.
Any long distance grid line with intermittent power generation on one end, and with periodic peak power use on the other, can benefit from having power storage at both ends. We can fit much more power through the same line if we run it 24/7.
Next we need to specify high voltage DC lines, not high voltage AC, for long distance transmission. The high voltage AC lines leak tremendous amounts of electric power. AC lines stay physically hot in the winter, which is why so many birds sit on the wires. The same electromagnetic field affects cows and people in the area. There are too many leukemia clusters around power lines. High voltage DC lines don't have any of these problems!
This article touches on Minnesota's renewable energy needs. Almost by chance, Minnesota had the first HVDC power line in the country, and it reached over to the South Dakota wind fields.
In the end I need to support this article's premise, that locally generated power is cheaper than building lines. I believe that the cost of wind power will gradually fall further. This will reduce the value of transmitting power over long distances. Generate locally, store it, use it.
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Posted by: Wayne Etheridge on Feb 6, 2009 7:11 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
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Posted by: mwildfire on Feb 6, 2009 7:31 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
My only quibble is that he says the NIETC has been opposed by NJ and MD but not VA/WV etc, where the coal-fired power would come from. Perhaps the state governments have not objected but there is massive opposition on the part of the people, and local governments.
I would point out that some areas DON'T have good wind resources, and have cloudy winters--for example WV, where I live. But WV is currently exporting three times as much electricity as it uses. 99% of our electricity comes from coal. Should such a place get an energy subsidy from windier places, in return for all the coal power of the past? Do medium-distance high power lines make sense for places that don't have good wind or sun? I recently saw maps that explained a key point: insolation rates for our area are four increments worse than the best sites in southern AZ, but we actually get 2/3 as much sun--and a lot more than Germany or Japan, which lead the world in installations.
What about intermittency? Don't we have to retain lots of fossil-fuel power plants to take up the slack when there's no wind and/or sun? Someone mentioned storage of power in the form of pumped water or air; another possibility is using electric car batteries as storage. We should be converting our fleets to electric motors anyway because they're something like four times as efficient as gasoline engines. Typically, your car does a lot of recharging at night, when demand is down.
Some day perhaps we will be able to contemplate a system where people adjust their power use to times when it's most available, and conserve at other times. Such an arrangement is unthinkable now--we MUST have all the power we want at all times, instantly. But odds are, our spoiled generation will be replaced by others ready to live within the Earth's means.
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Posted by: jacksmith on Feb 6, 2009 8:48 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Tom Daschle, and Nancy Killefer are two of the finest, and most competent public servants you could possibly hope for in these appointments. They have been assassinated by the Washington healthcare lobby through their paid Bush Republican henchmen in congress. These Bush republicans are the same people blocking the economic recovery plan put forth by the Obama administration.
I am BURNING MAD America. And you should be too. Tome Daschle and Nancy Killefer were exactly what we needed to help turn this country around and fix our economy, and catastrophic healthcare crisis.
They apologized, and paid their taxes, and that should be it. Their country needs them. I'M JUST SO MAD at the anti American Bush Republicans.
Like many of you I have been trying to enjoy the after glow of this Beautiful historic election. But I see that the republicans in congress and their cohorts aren't going to be good sports, and LOSER'S!
SO BE IT!
In spite of President Obama's repeated offers, and gestures of collegiality to Republicans. Bush Republicans have seized upon every opportunity to stab President Obama in the back. And by doing so they are stabbing you, and the rest of the American people in the back. Well, you don't have to put up with that. And you shouldn't put up with that. President Obama has only been on the job two weeks. And he inherited two wars, and the worst economy since the great depression.
We had an election. And president Obama, and the democrats won BIG. And Bush Republicans lost miserably!
The Bush Republicans are the ones responsible for the worst economic crisis since the great depression. And the Bush Republicans are responsible for the worst healthcare crisis in American history. A healthcare crisis that is killing hundreds of thousands of you every year. Rich, middle class, and poor a like. Insured, and uninsured. Men, women, children, and babies.
President Obama, and the Democrats should take back all the concessions they granted the Bush Republicans, and tell them to put up! or shut up!
Everyone, start calling and contacting these Bush Republicans and tell them to stop blocking President Obama, and the Democrats recovery plan. And stop trying to block, and corrupt healthcare reform. Tell them to get on board with President Obama and the Democrats, or GET OUT!!
If these Bush Republicans refuse to cooperate I want all of you to immediately begin the process of removing them from office by every legal means possible. Including impeachment, and recall. I want you to bring the full weight and power of the movement down on their heads that swept President Obama, and the Democrats into control of the whitehouse, and congress. Take no prisoners. Use all the techniques you learned over this past historic election. Be flexible, creative, adaptable, and relentless like you were in the past.
To my cyber warriors I call on you again. You are among the best and the brightest. I call on you to move this fight from the cyber world to the living rooms, dens, and work places of the voters these Bush Republicans misrepresent. I know I can count on you. This is a fight worth fighting.
To my fellow World citizens. As an American I invite, and welcome you and your advise, input, and help. By delaying Americas recovery, and healthcare reform, these Bush Republicans are delaying our commitment to your recovery, and to being the better America for you that we aspire too.
I had hoped it would not come to this after our historic election. I had hoped that the Bush Republicans would respect the overpowering will of the people, and the World. But I guess not. All the Bush Republicans really care about is them-selves. Well, SO BE IT! Lets finish the job.
Sincerely
jacksmith --- Working Class :-)
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» you don't know what you're talking about....
Posted by: gellero1
» Ahh gellero1, a typical "Joe The Plumber" delusional
Posted by: superfeduphoosier
Comments are closed-
Posted by: jeffrey7 on Feb 6, 2009 9:50 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
But that's real alternative energy thinking. Not Coal Mining Asskissing. If you asked every miner if they'd rather grow Hemp that slave in a mine,they'd probably choose hemp,just because your outside.
The great ultra high mileage biofuel is also made from hemp. Diesel knew it when he invented his engine. Exxon just got everyone to use their more dirty version of diesel because back then they needed to boost business.
The people know better than most politicians and like migrant workers, if you offered us your congressional job for $15.00 an hour we'd take it in a New York minute. But if we said lower your damn pay to $15 an hour,you'd call us 'unamerican socialists'
We know we can generate more clean usable power with wind and solar than all the coal on Earth. Why are we not doing it? Coal has the money to buy politicians. If you don't believe that just look who's talking up clean coal, Big O. A guy who couldn't even campaign in coal-country because there too damn many racists with guns down there. But their bosses got to him....with money. So whom do you really serve Big O? The People? Daddy MegaBucks? Seeing as how it took over 250 million for you to get to the White House,I'm betting on the latter.
Prove me wrong...I double dare you.
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» NOBODY believes you !!
Posted by: gellero1
» Speak for yourself.
Posted by: superfeduphoosier
» RE: NOBODY believes you !!
Posted by: jeffrey7
» If government cut down on oversubsidizing the oil and coal giants and got rid of the gag ban on hemp
Posted by: superfeduphoosier
Comments are closed-
Posted by: Evan Ravitz on Feb 6, 2009 8:17 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
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Posted by: PaulC on Feb 6, 2009 9:12 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
In this case the intent is to delay or prevent the rise of local and regional distributed power sources.
Again and again we see the Rethug party pulling out all the stops in order to remove even the mention of federal monies for renewable/distributed energy.
Obama has made this a central plank of his plan to rebuild our economy, so he should get used to the idea that this is going to be a bruising fight.
Regarding the question where he will land on national-vs-smart, if his past actions are any clue he will push both, allowing the Rethugs to divert 42 percent of public investment monies to their corporate masters.
That will be the true "cost" to the American people of change under Obama.
peace,
Paul
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Posted by: richholland on Feb 7, 2009 2:38 AM
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It will give 1.000.000 households free electricity.
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Posted by: beyondgreen on Feb 7, 2009 3:13 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
http://www.themanhattanprojectof2009.com
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» Don't forget hemp and algae.
Posted by: jwverez
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Posted by: Curious-reader on Feb 7, 2009 11:51 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
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» Here are two state-of-the-art references for detailed analysis
Posted by: PaulC
Comments are closed-
Posted by: tblakeslee on Feb 11, 2009 6:54 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
A rediculously inaccurate statement! There is no wind power or geothermal power to speak of East of the Rockies. The cost of solar varies drastically between southern deserts and northern cloudy areas. This bad assumption ruins the whole article.
HVDC transmission is necessary if we are to really replace coal with renewables. Read this: www.clrlight.org/HVDC.htm
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» RE: The distinguishing characteristic of renewable energy is its availability in abundant quantities vi
Posted by: Bittersham2
Comments are closed-
Posted by: gunboat diplomat on Feb 6, 2009 12:18 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
In the end, cities and states will have to take the initiative on restructuring their own local power systems. Long-distance transmission can be useful in some cases (for example, offshore wind power generation, or desert-located concentrating solar ower plants), but most areas will rely on a mix of locally-generated and imported power.
The real problem with Obama's energy plan is the refusal to focus on replacing coal with solar and wind power, as Germany has been doing.
Right now, there is major political pressure on Obama aimed at halting any clean energy initiatives (or health care improvements), and so far it is working. This discussion about the grid and weatherstripping homes is typical - it actually reminds me of Bush's earnest calls for a "hydrogen economy", while it ignores the really viable renewable energy sources: sunlight and wind, plus some tidal and geothermal power.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» RE: A "smart grid" is one that can store and release energy on demand.
Posted by: richholland
Comments are closed-
Posted by: Jonalist on Feb 6, 2009 4:06 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
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Posted by: PaulK on Feb 6, 2009 4:53 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
At this point I'll acknowledge the up-and-coming pumped air storage technique. They're pumping compressed air into an abandoned limestone mine in Ohio, then releasing it through turbines.
Any long distance grid line with intermittent power generation on one end, and with periodic peak power use on the other, can benefit from having power storage at both ends. We can fit much more power through the same line if we run it 24/7.
Next we need to specify high voltage DC lines, not high voltage AC, for long distance transmission. The high voltage AC lines leak tremendous amounts of electric power. AC lines stay physically hot in the winter, which is why so many birds sit on the wires. The same electromagnetic field affects cows and people in the area. There are too many leukemia clusters around power lines. High voltage DC lines don't have any of these problems!
This article touches on Minnesota's renewable energy needs. Almost by chance, Minnesota had the first HVDC power line in the country, and it reached over to the South Dakota wind fields.
In the end I need to support this article's premise, that locally generated power is cheaper than building lines. I believe that the cost of wind power will gradually fall further. This will reduce the value of transmitting power over long distances. Generate locally, store it, use it.
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Comments are closed-
Posted by: Wayne Etheridge on Feb 6, 2009 7:11 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
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Posted by: mwildfire on Feb 6, 2009 7:31 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
My only quibble is that he says the NIETC has been opposed by NJ and MD but not VA/WV etc, where the coal-fired power would come from. Perhaps the state governments have not objected but there is massive opposition on the part of the people, and local governments.
I would point out that some areas DON'T have good wind resources, and have cloudy winters--for example WV, where I live. But WV is currently exporting three times as much electricity as it uses. 99% of our electricity comes from coal. Should such a place get an energy subsidy from windier places, in return for all the coal power of the past? Do medium-distance high power lines make sense for places that don't have good wind or sun? I recently saw maps that explained a key point: insolation rates for our area are four increments worse than the best sites in southern AZ, but we actually get 2/3 as much sun--and a lot more than Germany or Japan, which lead the world in installations.
What about intermittency? Don't we have to retain lots of fossil-fuel power plants to take up the slack when there's no wind and/or sun? Someone mentioned storage of power in the form of pumped water or air; another possibility is using electric car batteries as storage. We should be converting our fleets to electric motors anyway because they're something like four times as efficient as gasoline engines. Typically, your car does a lot of recharging at night, when demand is down.
Some day perhaps we will be able to contemplate a system where people adjust their power use to times when it's most available, and conserve at other times. Such an arrangement is unthinkable now--we MUST have all the power we want at all times, instantly. But odds are, our spoiled generation will be replaced by others ready to live within the Earth's means.
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Comments are closed-
Posted by: jacksmith on Feb 6, 2009 8:48 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Tom Daschle, and Nancy Killefer are two of the finest, and most competent public servants you could possibly hope for in these appointments. They have been assassinated by the Washington healthcare lobby through their paid Bush Republican henchmen in congress. These Bush republicans are the same people blocking the economic recovery plan put forth by the Obama administration.
I am BURNING MAD America. And you should be too. Tome Daschle and Nancy Killefer were exactly what we needed to help turn this country around and fix our economy, and catastrophic healthcare crisis.
They apologized, and paid their taxes, and that should be it. Their country needs them. I'M JUST SO MAD at the anti American Bush Republicans.
Like many of you I have been trying to enjoy the after glow of this Beautiful historic election. But I see that the republicans in congress and their cohorts aren't going to be good sports, and LOSER'S!
SO BE IT!
In spite of President Obama's repeated offers, and gestures of collegiality to Republicans. Bush Republicans have seized upon every opportunity to stab President Obama in the back. And by doing so they are stabbing you, and the rest of the American people in the back. Well, you don't have to put up with that. And you shouldn't put up with that. President Obama has only been on the job two weeks. And he inherited two wars, and the worst economy since the great depression.
We had an election. And president Obama, and the democrats won BIG. And Bush Republicans lost miserably!
The Bush Republicans are the ones responsible for the worst economic crisis since the great depression. And the Bush Republicans are responsible for the worst healthcare crisis in American history. A healthcare crisis that is killing hundreds of thousands of you every year. Rich, middle class, and poor a like. Insured, and uninsured. Men, women, children, and babies.
President Obama, and the Democrats should take back all the concessions they granted the Bush Republicans, and tell them to put up! or shut up!
Everyone, start calling and contacting these Bush Republicans and tell them to stop blocking President Obama, and the Democrats recovery plan. And stop trying to block, and corrupt healthcare reform. Tell them to get on board with President Obama and the Democrats, or GET OUT!!
If these Bush Republicans refuse to cooperate I want all of you to immediately begin the process of removing them from office by every legal means possible. Including impeachment, and recall. I want you to bring the full weight and power of the movement down on their heads that swept President Obama, and the Democrats into control of the whitehouse, and congress. Take no prisoners. Use all the techniques you learned over this past historic election. Be flexible, creative, adaptable, and relentless like you were in the past.
To my cyber warriors I call on you again. You are among the best and the brightest. I call on you to move this fight from the cyber world to the living rooms, dens, and work places of the voters these Bush Republicans misrepresent. I know I can count on you. This is a fight worth fighting.
To my fellow World citizens. As an American I invite, and welcome you and your advise, input, and help. By delaying Americas recovery, and healthcare reform, these Bush Republicans are delaying our commitment to your recovery, and to being the better America for you that we aspire too.
I had hoped it would not come to this after our historic election. I had hoped that the Bush Republicans would respect the overpowering will of the people, and the World. But I guess not. All the Bush Republicans really care about is them-selves. Well, SO BE IT! Lets finish the job.
Sincerely
jacksmith --- Working Class :-)
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» you don't know what you're talking about....
Posted by: gellero1
» Ahh gellero1, a typical "Joe The Plumber" delusional
Posted by: superfeduphoosier
Comments are closed-
Posted by: jeffrey7 on Feb 6, 2009 9:50 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
But that's real alternative energy thinking. Not Coal Mining Asskissing. If you asked every miner if they'd rather grow Hemp that slave in a mine,they'd probably choose hemp,just because your outside.
The great ultra high mileage biofuel is also made from hemp. Diesel knew it when he invented his engine. Exxon just got everyone to use their more dirty version of diesel because back then they needed to boost business.
The people know better than most politicians and like migrant workers, if you offered us your congressional job for $15.00 an hour we'd take it in a New York minute. But if we said lower your damn pay to $15 an hour,you'd call us 'unamerican socialists'
We know we can generate more clean usable power with wind and solar than all the coal on Earth. Why are we not doing it? Coal has the money to buy politicians. If you don't believe that just look who's talking up clean coal, Big O. A guy who couldn't even campaign in coal-country because there too damn many racists with guns down there. But their bosses got to him....with money. So whom do you really serve Big O? The People? Daddy MegaBucks? Seeing as how it took over 250 million for you to get to the White House,I'm betting on the latter.
Prove me wrong...I double dare you.
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» NOBODY believes you !!
Posted by: gellero1
» Speak for yourself.
Posted by: superfeduphoosier
» RE: NOBODY believes you !!
Posted by: jeffrey7
» If government cut down on oversubsidizing the oil and coal giants and got rid of the gag ban on hemp
Posted by: superfeduphoosier
Comments are closed-
Posted by: Evan Ravitz on Feb 6, 2009 8:17 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
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Comments are closed-
Posted by: PaulC on Feb 6, 2009 9:12 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
In this case the intent is to delay or prevent the rise of local and regional distributed power sources.
Again and again we see the Rethug party pulling out all the stops in order to remove even the mention of federal monies for renewable/distributed energy.
Obama has made this a central plank of his plan to rebuild our economy, so he should get used to the idea that this is going to be a bruising fight.
Regarding the question where he will land on national-vs-smart, if his past actions are any clue he will push both, allowing the Rethugs to divert 42 percent of public investment monies to their corporate masters.
That will be the true "cost" to the American people of change under Obama.
peace,
Paul
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Comments are closed-
Posted by: richholland on Feb 7, 2009 2:38 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It will give 1.000.000 households free electricity.
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Comments are closed-
Posted by: beyondgreen on Feb 7, 2009 3:13 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
http://www.themanhattanprojectof2009.com
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» Don't forget hemp and algae.
Posted by: jwverez
Comments are closed-
Posted by: Curious-reader on Feb 7, 2009 11:51 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
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» Here are two state-of-the-art references for detailed analysis
Posted by: PaulC
Comments are closed-
Posted by: tblakeslee on Feb 11, 2009 6:54 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
A rediculously inaccurate statement! There is no wind power or geothermal power to speak of East of the Rockies. The cost of solar varies drastically between southern deserts and northern cloudy areas. This bad assumption ruins the whole article.
HVDC transmission is necessary if we are to really replace coal with renewables. Read this: www.clrlight.org/HVDC.htm
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» RE: The distinguishing characteristic of renewable energy is its availability in abundant quantities vi
Posted by: Bittersham2
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