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Storms have been particularly angry this
year: Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, dozens of mega fires, extensive
flooding in South Asia. While no specific event can be attributed to global
warming, each event is enhanced as oceans warm, expand and more water vapor is
in held the atmosphere. It’s like putting steroids into our weather system –
every event has the potential to become stronger.
Coincidentally, the
leading US National Labs recently simulated the integration of electric grids
across oceans – to better prepare for outages from these storms. The Real-Time
Super Lab simulated the ability of distant networks to instantly respond and
balance energy supply and demand. With millisecond requirements, the test worked.
Historically, electric grids served
individual countries, until the benefits of cross border interconnections accelerated
regional grids in the developed world: load sharing between utilities, peak
power savings through daytime and seasonal power exchange, increased system
reliability, improved frequency and voltage control. "It's easier and
cheaper to transfer electrons than fuels." With this successful Global
Grid test, the case for connecting continents gets even stronger.
Our stand is for
the interconnection of electric networks between every nation. Every
citizen deserves to have the basic advantages from lighting, refrigeration and
communication.
In Partnership for the Planet, |
