A lot of our grid is actually comprised of various smaller entities. Advanced Reconductoring could help, as building new lines takes ages due to permitting and localized red tape. We don’t have a central authority to coordinate building new lines, so upgrading existing lines to better technology could allow us to get closer to bridging the gap.

However, one of the downsides is that it will still be difficult to connect new solar and wind farms in remote areas, due to the need to build virgin powerlines spanning urban-rural areas. This is one tool we can do in the present - near future in order to improve our grid. Another is advanced monitoring sensors so we can transfer more electricity without accidently overloading transmission lines. Both are relatively low-cost alternatives to building new lines.

  • @sprack
    link
    57 months ago

    Just Have a Think covered this as well. Seems like a great solution all around as reconductoring doesn’t require permits or issues with acquiring eminent domain. They get reduced sag, improved efficiency and greater capacity in one go.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKpDvCGqUv8