Sending Best Thoughts and Prayers

Clockworkmike said:
Im not going to go into a political op-ed with what im getting ready to say, but rather from someone with direct knowledge of the particular issues over the failed power grid, so excuse the rant.

You've probably heard me mention that im an electrician. Well yeah, for over 20 years now on the books, but ive been around it literally my entire life from my dad and older brother. Though I have worked in residential settings in the past, starting out when i was actually just 11 years old with my dad as well as lot of commercial settings, i predominately work in industrial/institutional/distribution settings. We often install newer renewable energy sources now, such as Solar, Hydroelectric and even Methane regeneration.

What happened in Texas was gross negligence from ERCOT ( Electric Reliability Council of Texas) and this solely lies at their feet. A popular fairy tale being touted was " Green Energy Failures Caused the Crisis". Let me set the record straight on this one: thats utter bull:poo:. While its true that some Wind Turbines simply froze up and failed, rendering many powerless; Texas is largely operating on outdated Coal power plants, as well as newer but inefficient natural gas plants and nuclear power plants that are now over 40-50 years old. ERCOT has roughly 45,000 Megawatts of power but its renewable sources only make up 16,000 of that and in winter months, nonrenewable sources operate over 80% of ERCOT generation. Roughly 35% of its nonrenewable sources is Natural Gas and natural gas has one MASSIVE failure in the cold weather: its lines begin to freeze and condensate, suppressing volume.

In otherwords, old school energy failed this one and it did it horribly. Im from WV, for those who know geography, we are literally the coal center of the entire world. Our entire economy is centered on it. But the fact is simple: its a dying source and renewables simply get the job done more efficiently and cheaper. All over this state: hydro, solar and wind turbines are popping up like blades of grass. The coal miners here are obviously pissed, but here in WV, I dont see their argument: WV Coal is metallurgical grade and used in Steel production, not energy. Their mines wont be shut down any time soon as long as we continue to use US Metallurgical Coal.

The coal used in Power plants often is imported from both Russia and China due to its awful grading and is very inefficient in heating and steam generation but its cheap. We have some energy grade coal sourced in the US but ironically, we export most of it. So the question is: if coal plants use largely foreign coal anyways, why keep them ?? Because politicians get paid to keep them from foreign investments, thats why. And that is why failures like Texas' energy crisis continue to occur because no one cares as long as they get paid.


My two cents on the issue and if anyone wants me to back up my facts, im glad to do so: im a mediocre guitar player, know little to nothing of electronics repair but when it comes to Electricity Construction/Distribution? Thats the only time you WILL not hear me be humble: i earned my stripes long time ago.
Click to expand...
This is very eye-opening information. Thank you for sharing... (y)
 
CoyotesGator said:
Power and water are back on.
Click to expand...

spin_prod_932650512
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top