zlacker

[return to "The UK is wasting a lot of wind power"]
◧
1. ZeroGr+k8[view] [source] 2023-01-12 19:48:13
>>RobinL+(OP)
Curtailment, like negative prices, seems like something that it is hard for people to have constructive conversations about.

Probably the cheapest and best option is to build more wind and not care too much if it increases curtailment.

Yes, all the things mentioned should be looked into and done when it makes financial sense but "wasting wind" is much less a thing to worry about than "burning gas", and I'd rather waste wind than waste money.

◧◩
2. redlea+ud[view] [source] 2023-01-12 20:13:19
>>ZeroGr+k8
Balancing a nationwide power grid is very complex. Some energy sources can be started and stopped instantly, but are limited - water. Others are plentiful, but unpredictable - wind. Others are predictable, but take a long time to start and stop - gas, coal(several hours), nuclear(1 day to start, fast to stop, but very expensive). A balanced grid will need all of them, will need them in quantities which can cover faults in the big producers(a nuclear reactor makes 700-800 MW). They will need them built in the right place, because while more power cables can be built, you can't transfer a lot of power on very long distances, for cost and grid stability reasons.
◧◩◪
3. gehsty+Gx[view] [source] 2023-01-12 22:02:18
>>redlea+ud
You can transmit a lot of power long distances with HVDC systems. 2GW systems are in development (TenneT 2GW platform & 525kV DC cables) & HVDC interconnectors can be several hindered km long…
◧◩◪◨
4. midasu+cF[view] [source] 2023-01-12 22:47:24
>>gehsty+Gx
But it’s expensive and takes a long time. The U.K. isn’t building enough quickly enough to take benefit of production in the north.

Maybe if variable prices encourages energy intensive demand to shift to Scotland that will help, but that’s not quick either.

◧◩◪◨⬒
5. gehsty+Zk4[view] [source] 2023-01-13 23:42:21
>>midasu+cF
No power infrastructure is either quick or cheap. I would think a subsea interconnector would be quicker to build than an offshore windfarm (as there are fewer components - no turbines or structures, and even fewer cables!)

The UK is leading the world in grid interconnection and offshore wind build out (though all owned by none UK entities), so if they aren’t building quickly enough I don’t know anyone who is….

[go to top]