To Grid or not to Grid

I write a lot about renewable energy because it seems to attract inventors, engineers, and scientists alike. It thus is a good focus point for the paradoxes these problem solvers meet when trying to solve what seems to be in every ones interest (global warming, energy supply, pollution). The topic of this blog.

The New Scientists brought an article the 3rd of December 2008 on an increasing trend of people becoming independent of the power grid suppliers (How to unplug from the grid). More and more people apparently seems to dump the high cost of establishing new grid connections, or just sleep with clearer consciousness at night, and become self-sufficient with heat and electricity. I felt this myself as am building a house now. Just getting permission to use an existing connection to the house cost me over 1000 Euro ("connection fee"), and once again for using extra amps.

Prices are dropping and efficiency on equipment (sun cells/panels, wind mills, electricity storage devices etc.) is improving (see previous blog entries). It is becoming affordable and doable to replace outdated heating/power systems in your own home.
These days it seems that we, the people, are taking or demanding more and more independence at the same time the governments are tightening the control. Whether it is named "Web 2.0", "civil disobedience", "anarchists", "activists", "interest groups" or whatever - we are organizing and not waiting for our leaders to solve the problems. And the firms can smell the profits to be earned from this new movement. From my chair these changes in mindset is causing many clashes in our world today.

In our case of independence of the grid the conflict of interests, the paradox, seems to become apparent in the problem of producing too much energy as a private, independent, energy supplier. In Germany and the previous blog entry on Ota City, the private power generates are allowed to channel their excess electricity into the power grid, and take out electricity when unable to sustain themselves with power (see picture). The power grid functions as a "battery" so to say. Simple, easy to calculate, manage, and beneficial for all parts (the power company sets the prices). But it is very few countries who use this option. Why? Perhaps it the existence of a monopoly situation on energy supply as it is now. Letting go of some of this control may be difficult. However, it does not lead to non-fossil energy anytime soon if the power companies are expected to become "green" anytime soon. The companies has billions invested in power plants that are not easily rebuilt for new energy scources. So economically it is not rent able.

So, we can easily supply energy clean an efficiently from the sun or wind, but storing the electricity is a problem. The solution is simple, and already existing and working in places, but requires acceptance of power companies. Sad but true.

Perhaps we will see independent power suppliers organizing alternative grid networks in the future. Teslas wireless transfer of electricity is currently only use ind tooth brushes and art installations - but potentially could become a new grid network ("Change must come through the barrel of a gun").

Article in the New Scientist
Picture: http://www.greenlineenergy.com/solarbasics.shtml