The Power Grid Can't Handle Wind Farms 681
DesScorp writes "The Times reports on the problems of adding wind farms to the power grid. Because of the grid's old design, it can't handle the various spikes that wind farms sometimes have, and there's no efficient way to currently move massive amounts of that power from one section of the country to the other. Further complicating things is the fact that under current laws, power grid regulation is a state matter, and the Federal government has comparatively little authority over it right now. Critics are calling for federal authority over the grid, and massive new construction of 'superhighways' to share the wind power wealth nationally. Quoting the article, 'The dirty secret of clean energy is that while generating it is getting easier, moving it to market is not.'"
Oh, THAT'S It! (Score:2, Funny)
The grid can't handle wind power! Now I get it!
It's the gospel truth. I read it in Pravda. [nytimes.com]
You want wind power? (Score:1, Funny)
You want wind power!?
You can't handle the wind power!!!
Re:Ok... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:The Feds (Score:5, Funny)
It has to be said once... (Score:3, Funny)
This really blows.
(Apologies to all who are sick to their stomachs right now.)
Being Purposeful Blind (a NYT specialty) (Score:2, Funny)
It is not a revelation that the grid has to be upgraded, I read long ago it was a required investment. The problem is that it seems to be in none of the major players realm of interest or responsibility. Even as the grid stands, conventional power is not distributed efficiently.
Several months ago there was a big article on the need for new grid infrastructure to carry power from solar facilities in the Southwest (some via dc transmission) to areas of high demand. Moreover, did it escape the informed scribes attention that Pickens was in D.C. to get the feds to fund new investment in the grid? He needs it for his investment in wind power in the Texas panhandle to pay off. With all the business reporting it has, how was that missed? Too obvious?
This article meets the current low standards of reporting that has become endemic at the NYT. As they advised the recently former governor of New York state, you have screwed up so badly you should be gone! Well by the same standards, they too should follow the same example. Both by its actions and inactions, the NYT should exit too. Or more kindly, at least those at the top encouraging this type of reporting should remove themselves so that the vaunted reputation of the NYT may be regained.
Re:Moving it across the country? (Score:2, Funny)
I think the authority would more likely be granted under power laws or voltage laws. Did they check what Ohm, Watt, Volta, et al, had to say about this?
Re:OT (Score:1, Funny)
Shuttup, troll. What makes you think you know better than the editors?
If you hate slashdot so much that you feel the need to bitch about it, why do't you go start your own website?
Re:Ok... (Score:5, Funny)
I propose that FishWithAHammer pays it all.
Re:Oh, THAT'S It! (Score:5, Funny)
Grid: I want the wind power!
Windfarm: YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE WIND POWER!
Re:Ok... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Ok... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Ok... (Score:5, Funny)
I propose that FishWithAHammer pays it all.
The motion is seconded. Please address all invoices to Mr. F. WithAHammer.
Re:Oh, THAT'S It! (Score:5, Funny)
"Protected". I don't think that word is appropriate. "Stolen". There I fixed it for you.
What part of Global Military Adventurism in support of Corporate Profits can be construed as the sworn mission: Defending the Nation and it's Constitution?
America is like a giant, sucking leech. With guns.
Store them in Energon Cubes (Score:3, Funny)
Store the power in Energon Cubes. Then let me know where you put those >;-)
Thanks,
Megatron
Re:Oh, THAT'S It! (Score:5, Funny)
The truth is, we live in a world that needs oil. And that oil has to be protected by men with guns.
Oh I see. So women with guns can't protect oil.
Re:Ok... (Score:1, Funny)
Any objections? No? Motion carried. Mr. F. WithAHammer thus appointed as the payer. *bangs gavel* Next case!
Re:Time for a new Interstate project (Score:3, Funny)
He's using "literally" in its figurative sense, of course.