As renewables replace polluting, carbon-intensive power sources, the reliability of the nation's electricity will be impaired because of the inability of the grid to accommodate power produced from distant sources, according to a new report.
"The North American Electric Reliability Corporation says in a report scheduled for release Monday (11/10) that unless appropriate measures are taken to improve transmission of electricity, rules reducing carbon dioxide emissions by utilities could impair the reliability of the power grid."
Twenty seven states have "set standards specifying that electric utilities generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources" known as 'Renewable Portfolio Standards'.
"The North American Electric Reliability Corporation is the industry body authorized by the federal government to enforce reliability rules for the interlocking system of electrical power generation and transmission".
In short, as green energy sources, such as wind and solar, generated from distant sources replace closer, but more polluting sources, such as coal plants 'near load centers', enormous strain is placed on the transmission lines.
"Carbon emission initiatives are the "No. 1 emerging issue" for the grid", claims the group's CEO.
Unless investments are made in transmission lines and other parts of the grid, there will be a decrease in blackouts as renewables provide more electricity, according to the report.
"It appears that greenhouse gas issues and electric utility reliability are on a collision course.", said one industry executive.
Read the full story: Report Says Sun and Wind Power Could Threaten Nation’s Electrical Grid
How to Make the Texas Electric Grid More Resilient
This year's winter storm and the subsequent damages highlight the urgent need for more resilient energy systems that can outlast increasingly powerful weather events.
How Extreme Heat Threatens the Electrical Grid
Higher demand for electricity and lower capacity for production due to more intense heat waves are straining the power grid and causing concern for future energy production.
Five Key Energy Bills the California Legislature May Decide this Week
Energy stakeholders in California are watching five important bills to see which go forward with three weeks remaining in the legislative season. One would require the state to generate all electricity from renewable sources by 2045.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority