Posted on Aug 14, 2023
Why lasers could help make the electric grid greener
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https://www.npr.org/2023/08/13/ [login to see] /power-grid-enhancing-technologies-climate-change
In a suburb of Sacramento, on the edge of a row of beige houses, a giant transmission tower shoots up into the blue summer sky.
Jon Marmillo is looking up at a box sitting about 20 feet up the tower, full of laser sensors. He says he spends too much time staring up at transmission lines – including when he's driving. That's because he thinks that if more power lines could integrate technologies like the box of lasers, that could help the country reach its climate goals cheaper and faster.
"I'm like, we have the answer!" Marmillo says, "We could be putting more renewables on the grid."
In a suburb of Sacramento, on the edge of a row of beige houses, a giant transmission tower shoots up into the blue summer sky.
Jon Marmillo is looking up at a box sitting about 20 feet up the tower, full of laser sensors. He says he spends too much time staring up at transmission lines – including when he's driving. That's because he thinks that if more power lines could integrate technologies like the box of lasers, that could help the country reach its climate goals cheaper and faster.
"I'm like, we have the answer!" Marmillo says, "We could be putting more renewables on the grid."
Why lasers could help make the electric grid greener
Posted from npr.org
Sacramento
Climate Change
Energy
Environment
Technology
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
Interesting approach. However, I don't think the 'long pole in the tent' will be getting the utility companies on board. The biggest roadblock will be overcoming the safety regulations from the FERC on power lines.
Assuming the technology is sound, I can see the approach in the article as something that could maximize the 'wiggle room' that the companies are operating under, but this is much different than maximizing the capacity of the power transmission line.
Something I learned at a very early point in my career - Technology is easy. Changing policy (in this case, regulations) is the hard part.
CAN it be done quickly? Absolutely, but it will require an 800 pound gorilla to be the advocate for the change.
Assuming the technology is sound, I can see the approach in the article as something that could maximize the 'wiggle room' that the companies are operating under, but this is much different than maximizing the capacity of the power transmission line.
Something I learned at a very early point in my career - Technology is easy. Changing policy (in this case, regulations) is the hard part.
CAN it be done quickly? Absolutely, but it will require an 800 pound gorilla to be the advocate for the change.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel good day Brother William, always informational and of the most interesting. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day!
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