Energy Generation

Concentrated Solar

TODO

Solar/PV

There are four approaches to utilizing solar power each have their own pros and cons.

Utility Solar

Where big utility companies build big solar panel farms and wind farms with associated storage. Such installations require expensive transmission lines and large load control systems.

Municipal Solar

Where cities and towns get together to build renewable energy installations to serve a single municipality. This may be the sweet spot where power is distributed locally, without the requirement for expensive transmission lines and management control systems are only needed once.

Community Solar

Where local communities get together to build renewable energy installations to serve them. Community land may be at a premium that could limit available space.

Residential Solar

Where individual home owners and businesses install their own solar panels, storage (infrequent) and controls. Costly transmission lines are avoided but the investment in control systems per kwh generated makes this option less desirable than municipal solar.

The Nuclear Power Dilemma

From the Union of Concerned Scientists:

https://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear-power/nuclear-power-and-global-warming

https://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear-power/cost-nuclear-power/retirements

who expect nuclear power to play a role with increased safeguards, from Nov 2018. Some quotes:

“Without new policies, natural gas and coal will fill the void. Closing unprofitable and marginal at-risk plants early could result in a 4 to 6 percent increase in US power sector emissions. [my emphasis]”

Recommendations

If the current situation continues, more nuclear power plants will likely close and be replaced primarily by natural gas, causing emissions to rise. Policymakers should consider the following recommendations as they think about how to respond:

• We need carbon pricing. A robust, economy-wide cap or price on carbon emissions would help provide a level playing field for all low-carbon technologies.

• We need a low-carbon electricity standard. A well-designed LCES could prevent the early closure of nuclear power plants while supporting the growth of other low carbon technologies.

• Financial support for nuclear plants should be conditioned on consumer protection, safety requirements, and investments in renewables and energy efficiency. Policymakers considering temporary financial support to avoid the early closure of nuclear plants should couple that support with strong clean energy policies, efforts to limit rate increases to consumers, and rigorous safety, security, and performance requirements.

The full report published November 2018:

https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2018/11/Nuclear-Power-Dilemma-full-report.pdf