The EU could be powered almost entirely by renewable energies in 2050 without power disruptions by adding intelligence to its existing grids and building new cross-border connections, according to a study by Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC), an industry group.The report, published yesterday (4 February), argues that with the right political framework, existing grid infrastructure can be upgraded to handle a green energy supply system where 90% of electricity comes from renewable sources by 2050.Current electricity transmission and distribution systems were designed over 40 years ago to serve large, centralised conventional power plants, the report oulines. By contrast, the new power system could be built on micro-grids and smart grids that use advanced communication and control technologies to connect and distribute small renewable energy generators, like roof-mounted solar panels, more efficiently, it says.The intelligent grids will then have to be linked up into a super grid by building new interconnections, the study explains. This will guarantee the security of supply at all times by transporting large energy leads across regions, it says.Moreover, there is no reason to fear power cuts when the sun doesn't shine or the wind isn't blowing, the research argues. Using case studies, it demonstrates that such extreme weather events are very rare and can be compensated by a mix of different renewable sources. [Also called natural balancing -DoDo]The study estimates that the cost of strengthening interconnections and building new super grid connections to supply Europe securely would amount to around 209 billion euros by 2050.
The report, published yesterday (4 February), argues that with the right political framework, existing grid infrastructure can be upgraded to handle a green energy supply system where 90% of electricity comes from renewable sources by 2050.
Current electricity transmission and distribution systems were designed over 40 years ago to serve large, centralised conventional power plants, the report oulines. By contrast, the new power system could be built on micro-grids and smart grids that use advanced communication and control technologies to connect and distribute small renewable energy generators, like roof-mounted solar panels, more efficiently, it says.
The intelligent grids will then have to be linked up into a super grid by building new interconnections, the study explains. This will guarantee the security of supply at all times by transporting large energy leads across regions, it says.
Moreover, there is no reason to fear power cuts when the sun doesn't shine or the wind isn't blowing, the research argues. Using case studies, it demonstrates that such extreme weather events are very rare and can be compensated by a mix of different renewable sources. [Also called natural balancing -DoDo]
The study estimates that the cost of strengthening interconnections and building new super grid connections to supply Europe securely would amount to around 209 billion euros by 2050.
Germany's solar industry estimates that the government's proposed cuts in feed-in tariffs will result in a 44 per cent reduction in the price paid for solar electricity. Feed-in tariffs provide a guaranteed price above market rates at which utilities must buy solar power from generators....The solar industry employs around 60,000 people in Germany, most of whom are in eastern regions, which have a strong manufacturing base and high unemployment compared to western regions of the country.
Germany's solar industry estimates that the government's proposed cuts in feed-in tariffs will result in a 44 per cent reduction in the price paid for solar electricity.
Feed-in tariffs provide a guaranteed price above market rates at which utilities must buy solar power from generators.
...The solar industry employs around 60,000 people in Germany, most of whom are in eastern regions, which have a strong manufacturing base and high unemployment compared to western regions of the country.
The protests were staged yesterday, but I found no English-language report yet. The rate cut plans were criticised by East German regional leaders irrespective of party allegiance. *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
