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"Renewables are no longer a marginal business. We
are talking about levels of energy that can bring light to thousands of
households, grow businesses, meet the needs of cities, and drive entire
economies." Anita Marangoly
George, Sr. Dir., Energy & Extractives Global Practice, World Bank Group
 The new
World Bank report is clear. Utility scale solar and wind energy is now cost
competitive in some nations – and this power can be integrated into their grids
without compromising reliability or affordability.
The old utility model of large power plants (coal,
nuclear and hydro) linked by high-voltage transmission to cities and industry
has changed. Today we have multiple new generation options (solar, wind and
geothermal) that can feed into this transmission grid. New "smart
systems" enable energy storage, rooftop solar, electric vehicles which
bring power generation closer to the customer.
(Graphic: NREL Electric
Sector Integration)
This new energy model creates challenges for utility system
operators, yet numerous case studies prove strong network reliability and
security of supply. Sensors throughout the network ( on graphic) give real-time information about variable sources of generation,
customer demand and transmission loads.
When the World Bank takes the lead, you are
assured that engineers, economists and bankers have evaluated the strategy from
all angles. They declared: "The Renewable Electricity Grid: The Future
is Now." We agree. Take this message to your state and national
leaders and ask for their commitment. Linking renewable energy resources around
the world is an idea whose time has come!
In Partnership for the Planet, |
