Why are electricity prices still rising despite more renewables?
I just finished watching this video, and it really made me think. While renewables like wind and solar have grown significantly, their intermittent nature is actually driving up electricity costs. Here’s why: when renewable output drops, gas-fired peaker power plants kick in to fill the gap. These plants are expensive and inefficient, yet gas still sets the price for almost all electricity, even though it’s only a small part of the energy mix.
But why gas? Gas plants can ramp up from 0 to 50/60 Hz quickly—think of it like starting your car. They can sync to the grid fast, often through a teed-off line from the main grid. This speed and flexibility can’t be matched by hydro, coal, or nuclear, which have too much inertia. This agility is why gas plants dominate when renewables falter!
Co-ops, where individuals invest in renewable generation, are a great step forward. They help make renewables more accessible and build community. But I believe the real solution lies in large-scale battery deployment. Batteries store excess renewable energy and release it when needed, minimizing gas usage and stabilizing the grid. Without hitting a critical volume of battery storage, we’ll stay dependent on costly gas plants.
For a sustainable, cost-effective energy future, batteries must be our priority.
Watch the video here:
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