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Power Supergrid
Posted: 13 Nov 2008, 13:16
by waermund
The Times reports that TPTB are planning a "Power supergrid to protect Europe from a Russian threat to choke off energy".
While I appreciate our potential vunerability to such an action I can't recall Russia ever threatening this can you? It seems that under the plan European countries will pool their energy resources - (like in an emergency we're all going to share niceley..
).
Posted: 13 Nov 2008, 13:22
by adam2
I am not aware of any Russian threats to cut of electricity supplies, and anyway AFAIK we dont obtain electricity from Russia.
However periodic threats to cut of natural gas ARE made, and a pan european high voltage DC grid could increase the use of renewable electricity and thereby reduce the amount of natural gas burnt in power stations.
With concerns regarding price and availability of NG this is to be encouraged.
Posted: 13 Nov 2008, 20:57
by energy-village
It makes sense, hopefully the wind is always blowing somewhere in the EU. Here's the article.
Power supergrid plan to protect Europe from Russian threat to choke off energy
A supergrid of power supplies to protect Europe’s energy from the threat of a Russian stranglehold will be announced today.
The building blocks of the proposed supergrid would be new cables linking North Sea wind farms, and a network patching together the disparate electricity grids of the Baltic region and the countries bordering the Mediterranean, according to a blueprint drawn up by the European Commission and seen by The Times.
EU states will also be asked to pay for at least two ambitious gas pipelines to bring in supplies from Central Asia and Africa. The plans also call for a Community Gas Ring, or a network allowing EU countries to share supplies if Russia turns off the taps ....
“The proposed North Sea grid means that if you have less wind in the British sector, you can access wind blowing off the German coast.” An EU-wide network will mean that wind power becomes even more reliable.
The Times, 13 Nov 2008
Full story:http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/b ... 142622.ece
Posted: 13 Nov 2008, 21:53
by happychicken
Maybe this is a silly question, but what have we got to offer the rest of Europe in return for THEIR electricity??
Posted: 13 Nov 2008, 22:05
by energy-village
happychicken wrote:Maybe this is a silly question, but what have we got to offer the rest of Europe in return for THEIR electricity??
I'm no expert but there are those who claim that the UK is the windiest country in Europe, has relatively shallow seas and decent offshore engineering expertise. Plus there are various UK sites where tidal power might be exploited.
Posted: 13 Nov 2008, 22:35
by biffvernon
The UK is the windiest densly populated country in the world and there are few places in the world that have such large tidal ranges, the Severn Estury having the second highest, just beaten only by the Bay of Fundy in Canada.
Posted: 13 Nov 2008, 23:54
by skeptik
happychicken wrote:Maybe this is a silly question, but what have we got to offer the rest of Europe in return for THEIR electricity??
Scotch Whisky and Twinnings English Breakfast Tea - at least that's what's on offer where I am.
Posted: 14 Nov 2008, 00:00
by Catweazle
happychicken wrote:Maybe this is a silly question, but what have we got to offer the rest of Europe in return for THEIR electricity??
BlackAdder series 1,2, and 3. And Porridge.