Fixer Upper Power Grid?
We all know that the U.S. power grid is akin to a fixer upper in the real estate market. It was built in the 19th century to accommodate a dramatically lower level of demand, not to mention a more stable climate. It’s old, it’s fragmented, and it’s inefficient. But what can we possibly do at this point to move the needle?
Can This Fixer Upper be Rehabbed?
In real estate, any fixer upper can be rehabilitated to today’s standards relatively easily. Unfortunately, the U.S. power industry does not have this same luxury. If you think about it, there are really only 2 ways to boost the reliability of the grid – system upgrades and backup generation – and both are massive undertakings.
Regarding the former, new technological innovations around self-powered sensors, drones, and artificial intelligence are helping address current and potential problems faster. Undergrounding lines and deploying various storm hardening techniques can also help. Regarding the latter, microgrids and the introduction of new renewable energy sources can help.
The problem is that grid enhancements are incredibly expensive. For example, burying power lines can be upwards of 4-5 times more expensive than installing overhead lines. And this is just one of a thousand examples. But luckily, scientists seem to be making strides in this area.
For example, scientists are developing computer simulations that can help identify the power grid upgrades that provide the biggest bang for the buck. This might sound pretty basic, but the grid requires so much upgrading that the sheer number of available options would eventually exceed the number of atoms in the universe.
Thanks to prioritization algorithms like this, I do believe that there is hope for this massive fixer upper we know as the U.S. power grid. Sure, it’ll take time – many decades to be specific – but I am starting to think that the technology, motivation, and sheer necessity are converging to the point where things can finally start to be put in motion to move the needle. There’s no doubt about it, this fixer upper is ready for a massive upgrade!
