Research needed for smart grid and renewable energy development

Research and development is needed to prepare the electric grid for the coming onslaught of new solar and wind power, in much the way farmers must prepare the ground before sowing a crop, (picture below from Repower America)

Report: Electric Grid R&D Must Parallel Expansion of Renewable Power,  NYTimes.com, By JENNY MANDEL  November 16, 2010 tThe Energy Department should expand its research on energy storage, long-distance electricity transmission and short-term weather forecasting in order tosupport the growing use of renewable energy, the American Physical Society says in a report released today.

Research and development is needed to prepare the electric grid for the coming onslaught of new solar and wind power, in much the way farmers must prepare the ground before sowing a crop, said Kathryn Clay, vice president of research and technology policy with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and a member of the committee that wrote the report, at a press event.

“This is actually taking it a step higher in terms of the technical sophistication of the national grid,” Clay said, contrasting the proposed work with calls by other groups to build new transmission lines…….

Report – Electric Grid R&D Must Parallel Expansion of Renewable Power – NYTimes.com

November 18, 2010 - Posted by Christina MacPherson | renewable, USA | antinuclear, energy efficiency, renewable energy, renewables, smart grid, solar, wind