The Energy Problem

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Cal88
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In reply to concordtom • 7:28p, 3/27/26
Why not drill and build solar. and nuclear also.

Eventually that's what we will be doing., makes too much sense.
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BearlySane88
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In reply to Cal88 • 6:27a, 3/28/26
Cal88 said:






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concordtom
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In reply to Cal88 • 7:30a, 3/28/26
Cal88 said:
Why not drill and build solar. and nuclear also.

Eventually that's what we will be doing., makes too much sense.


Solar plus storage is cheaper.
If oil industry lets that be known - and that their drill baby drill patriotic propaganda messaging is BS - then there will be sweeping shifts in production.

Remember, it's not just cheaper, but it's cleaner.
I know you don't believe in global warming, but I imagine you are not a fan of breathing fumes, or seeing haze over the LA basin.

Once the secret is out, demand for Hydrocarbons will decline.
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Cal88
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In reply to BearlySane88 • 7:38a, 3/28/26
BearlySane88 said:
Cal88 said:









Willis Eisenbach's 15% capacity factor on solar panels is off.

I follow him on What's Up With That, have interacted with him on comments before and found him to be a bit irrational when it comes to China, and solar power.

He's off by a factor of 10:



Coal consumption in China is very high, slightly bigger than the rest of the world combined, but it is levelling off through the massive expansion of renewables:



One new hydro project in Tibet is set to generate a much electricity as the entire UK electricity consumption.




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concordtom
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In reply to Cal88 • 7:53a, 3/28/26
Wow, that's a great add. Thank you.

So, much tech talk re storage is focused on lithium batteries. But pumped hydro is very exciting. And that project is too.

I think California has an incredible opportunity for pumped hydro.
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Cal88
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In reply to concordtom • 8:30a, 3/28/26
Isn't the hydro potential in California already tapped?


AI Overview

Most of California's major hydroelectric potential has already been tapped, with the state's most viable sites developed over the last century
. While large-scale conventional hydro expansion is largely capped due to environmental concerns, significant untapped potential remains in efficiency upgrades, modernization of existing dams, and small-scale conduit projects.

Current State of California Hydropower
  • Existing Infrastructure: California is one of the top producers of hydroelectric power in the U.S., with over 386 facilities generating roughly 13% of its renewable energy.
  • Large-Scale Limits: Key rivers and sites suitable for large dams have already been developed. Further large-scale dam construction is generally restricted due to ecological impact and a lack of suitable locations.
  • Dependence on Climate: Hydroelectric production varies heavily on annual rainfall, with severe droughts having previously reduced its contribution from 14% to 9% of the state's energy mix.
Untapped/Alternative Potential
  • Conduit Hydroelectric: A significant untapped resource exists in existing water infrastructure, such as agricultural canals and municipal water pipelines, which can be retrofitted with small turbines to generate power (known as conduit hydropower).
  • Pumped Storage Hydro: While traditional hydro is maxed out, "pumped storage" is considered a major opportunity. This involves using surplus solar/wind energy to pump water to a higher reservoir, releasing it during high demand.
  • Modernization: Existing dams can increase capacity by upgrading turbines or improving fish passage facilities to allow for more water usage through the generators rather than over spillways.
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concordtom
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In reply to Cal88 • 8:35a, 3/28/26


Our rivers are, yes. I'm not proposing addition dams on rivers.





Pumped hydro storage =
Reservoir uphill
+
Reservoir downhill

High vertical difference
Little horizontal difference
= high potential energy gain.

Pump water to uphill reservoir during time of excess energy production.
Let flow downhill during time of need.

See the typical Duck Curve for daily demand/supply , which is exacerbated with increased solar production coming online.

California has many many many potential locations for pumped hydro storage. Closed end systems or add to parts of existing infrastructure.




In mid day, California is OVER producing electricity. We need to do something with all that juice. The grid cannot accept more than is being consumed.

Pushing it uphill is a perfect solution.
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Cal88
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12:55p, 3/30/26
We've been asleep at the wheel.

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