Decouple Shorting the Grid feat. Meredith Angwin
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Sep 18, 2020 
Meredith Angwin, a pioneering physical chemist and project manager at the Electric Power Research Institute, dives deep into the complexities of the power grid. She emphasizes its critical role in energy transition and the often-overlooked challenges of integrating renewables. Discussions range from the necessity of baseload power to the vulnerabilities of the grid during extreme weather. Angwin also critiques energy policies around renewables, urging a focus on emissions over marketing labels, and highlights barriers faced by consumers in accessing energy solutions.
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Ramping Up Pollution Anecdotes
- In Ireland, wind power intermittency caused natural gas emissions to sometimes increase due to ramping.
- Duke Power saw increases in nitrogen oxide pollution because gas turbines ramped frequently to follow renewables.
Winter Grid Vulnerability
- The grid is vulnerable in cold winters when natural gas pipelines are limited and power demand spikes.
- Rolling blackouts prevent total grid collapse but are highly disruptive during cold snaps.
Nuclear's Fuel Storage Advantage
- Nuclear plants can store fuel onsite for long periods, providing reliable energy supply.
- This contrasts with gas and renewables, which lack significant onsite fuel storage.
