“Is the U.S. Power Grid at Risk? Exploring Solutions to the Growing Blackout Epidemic” | OilPrice.com

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“Is the U.S. Power Grid at Risk? Exploring Solutions to the Growing Blackout Epidemic” | OilPrice.com

Last week, a monkey in Sri Lanka caused a major power outage after sneaking into a substation. This mishap left the entire country in darkness for six hours. The blackout disrupted medical facilities and water plants, forcing them to rely on backup generators. Meanwhile, traffic ground to a halt as traffic lights stopped working.

Sri Lanka has sufficient power generation capacity, even during peak usage. However, like many nations, its outdated power grid is at risk of widespread failures. This scenario is not unique to Sri Lanka. The U.S. is experiencing similar challenges with increasing frequency of rolling blackouts and rising electric bills. In fact, the number of power outages in the U.S. has risen by 64% since the early 2000s, while weather-related disruptions have soared by 78%. One analysis revealed that the U.S. now faces more outages than any other developed country.

Climate change and extreme weather are significant contributors to these outages. However, the situation is not just an American issue; Europe is also grappling with the effects of climate change. A crucial factor in the reliability of electricity is natural gas. Over the past two decades, the rise of cheap natural gas has led to a shift from coal to natural gas for electricity generation. While natural gas is praised for being cleaner than coal, it comes with its own set of problems.

Despite being labeled as a bridge fuel, natural gas plants often struggle during extreme weather events. For example, during a recent severe winter storm, gas facilities accounted for 63% of generation failures even though they only represented 44% of the total capacity. The infrastructure wasn’t built to handle such extreme conditions, which leaves many gas plants vulnerable. Some facilities even depend on a single gas pipeline, making them particularly susceptible to supply issues.

PJM Interconnection, the biggest power grid in the U.S., also faced challenges in managing the recent crisis. During the winter storm, many gas plants operated below half their capacity. PJM’s spokesperson noted that the performance during this emergency was “not acceptable.” In contrast, many neighboring grids reported widespread outages, raising concerns about the reliability of the U.S. power structure as demand continues to rise.

Experts suggest that extending gas infrastructure might help, but others argue that upgrading the grid and adding more renewable energy sources are necessary long-term solutions. The U.S. has long relied on an aging electrical grid, which is struggling to keep pace with modern demands. Despite being a wealthy nation, the U.S. ranks low in infrastructure quality, and its power grid is seen as a significant obstacle in the shift towards greener energy.

A study indicated that the U.S. could feasibly run 90% of its power from renewable sources by 2035 while relying on natural gas for only 10%. Unfortunately, the current grid isn’t designed to accommodate this change, resulting in potential energy wastage. Funding for upgrades is a significant hurdle. Estimates show that the U.S. would need around $4.5 trillion for a complete transition to renewable energy, including new infrastructure and technology.

On a positive note, recent changes in the regulatory landscape suggest that improvements may be on the horizon. The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved substantial updates to electric transmission policies, aimed at enhancing the grid and addressing rising demand. This policy shift is expected to facilitate the construction of new interregional lines and better integration of renewable energy sources.

In summary, while challenges loom, there are pathways toward a more reliable and sustainable energy future for both Sri Lanka and the U.S. Upgrading infrastructure and increasing the use of renewable energy could lead to a more resilient power system, ready to face the challenges of climate change and rising demand.



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Grid, Electric System, Power Generation, Utilities, Grid Security,