Producing power from the wind and sun isn't as simple as just swapping a wind turbine for a coal-fired power plant. Every source of power we use has to work with our electrical grid, an old, imperfect, complex system that wasn't put together with the needs of renewables in mind. For instance, because renewable generation is intermittent generation, using it goes hand-in-hand with ramping production from traditional generation up and down. When you don't have enough wind, you turn up the gas-fire generators. That kind of treatment can put stress on machinery and rack up costs in maintenance and repairs. But new research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory suggests that, at least in monetary terms, those costs are dwarfed by the cost savings you get from using more wind and solar power and, thus, not having to pay for fuel sources.
Cost savings of renewable energy might outweigh costs of adapting to renewable energy
- COMMENTS
- Energy
- grid
- renewable energy
- Science
- systems
Russian spy beluga trying to come in from the cold
A beluga whale was discovered off the coast of Northern Norway in April 2019 wearing a harness that appeared to be fitted for potential spy gear, and bore Russian markings.… READ THE REST
Mutation causes woman to live virtually pain, fear and anxiety-free, with ability to heal rapidly
Is this a real-life Wolverine? A study has revealed a genetic mutation that allows a woman to live virtually without pain, without fear, without anxiety, and with rapid-healing ability. Article… READ THE REST
Watch caterpillars "dancing" in sync
I had no idea that caterpillars responded to sound by moving their bodies like this. The caterpillars do this as a survival tactic: " caterpillars writhe their bodies and shake… READ THE REST
Get a refurbished 6th Gen iPad for $239.99 during our Memorial Day sale
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. TL;DR: Whether it's for work or leisure,… READ THE REST
Take a cruise with this smooth, stealthy eBike for half off this Memorial Day
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. TL;DR: Enjoy an effortless ride with the… READ THE REST
Celebrate Memorial Day anywhere with this outdoor movie bundle for only $200
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. TL;DR: This Memorial Day, transform your party… READ THE REST