COULD THE U.S. MEET ITS ELECTRICITY NEEDS WITH SOLAR ENERGY?

[Geee]

Powerline:

The basic “green” project is to replace our current fossil fuel and nuclear power plants with a combination of solar and wind energy. The cost consequences of making this transition to less efficient forms of energy are almost inconceivable, but putting cost to one side, is it even possible? At Watts Up With That?, Tom Tamarkin and Barrie Lawson have authored one of the more entertaining scientific articles I have read in a long time. They actually undertake to do the math: what would it require to replace existing fossil fuel and nuclear power plants with solar energy as current plants are phased out over the next several decades?

 

There are many variables, of course. For example, if electric vehicles ever gain a significant market share, the need for electric power will be vastly greater. Here, as elsewhere, the authors’ calculations make optimistic assumptions. They write:

 

This paper explores the system requirements to replace this generation capacity with a photovoltaic only generation scheme. Topics include the definition of peak power demand, time of use issues, reserve power requirements, storage to provide power when there is no sunlight, and the various engineering challenges associated with managing a large area synchronous AC power grid.

 

This analysis considers the factors involved in dimensioning solar power generating plants. To illustrate the issues involved the example considers the case for supplying the entire electric power needs of the USA from solar energy without the use of fossil fuel, nuclear or other back up. To simplify the calculations, the example considers a single very large hypothetical solar power installation providing all the country’s power although in practice, generation would be dispersed in a network of smaller installations throughout the country, each one closer to the point of need.

[Valin]

@Geee

 

Obviously John Hinderaker has forgotten to factor in Pixie Dust!

[Geee]

@Geee

 

Obviously John Hinderaker has forgotten to factor in Pixie Dust!

Or that Trump knows people

[Pepper]

COULD THE U.S. MEET ITS ELECTRICITY NEEDS WITH SOLAR ENERGY?

 

no