Information Temporary by Kip Hansen — 13 March 2023
The New Scientist carries a narrative dated 11 March 2023 with this headline:
An enormous energy transformer scarcity is wreaking havoc within the US — “A nationwide scarcity of energy grid transformers is inflicting delays throughout the US for all the things from infrastructure for electrical automobiles to new properties”
“Throughout the US, new homes sit unfinished – development can’t be accomplished till they’re related to the electrical energy grid. Utility firms fear about how rapidly they’ll restore energy after harm brought on by hurricanes and different pure disasters. And nationwide efforts to modernize ageing electrical grids face delays of months and even years.”
E&E EnergyWire lined this ongoing scenario final October in a chunk titled: “How a transformer scarcity threatens the grid”
“… the US is present process a scarcity of a spread of transformers — spanning smaller, pole-top models on metropolis streets to Virginia Transformer’s huge models — for causes that modify relying on the gear. Meaning utilities might battle so as to add sufficient new wind and photo voltaic technology to satisfy the nation’s net-zero objectives and to maintain the lights on when storms harm their depleted transformer stockpiles.”
E&E references this yr’s Division of Power report, stating “The DOE report concludes that the provision of recent transformers should multiply dramatically if the nation’s grid is to refill with new wind and photo voltaic technology and EV charging. DOE and Commerce additionally warned that transformer provide is a nationwide safety situation — even with out the added stress of a clear vitality transition.”
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Writer’s Remark:
I discussed this slow-moving catastrophe in How A lot of the Grid Should Be Upgraded. I used this picture:
There are grid transformers in all of the pink containers which embrace areas that can want upgrading, simply to permit for EV charging stations at properties and companies.
In that essay, I mentioned “I’m undecided we will even provide the elements for the transformation.” Apparently, that’s already true, not less than for transformers.
Many others have written about grid associated issues right here at WUWT.
Thanks for studying.