rise in micro-grids could penalise u.s. city's poor - experts - ess energy storage system
TEPIC, Mexico, May 10 (
Thomson Reuters Foundation-
The growth of electric micro-grids in the U. S.
City experts warn that the city of Pittsburgh may win support at the expense of its aging traditional grid, but it has the potential to exacerbate energy inequality.
With the emergence of cheaper energy storage options, around 300,000 of the population of Binzhou city has implemented a "micro-grid" program
Grid as part of its long term
The energy strategy, which may eventually see its existing power network divided into a series of smaller, decentralized units.
"We are witnessing the dawn of the macro economy --
Grid, maybe the dawn of micro-
Gregory Uluk, associate professor at George Mason University, said in a discussion at Harvard Business Review.
"Upgrade (macro-grid)
"This will require huge investments, which may be a real constraint on economic growth," he said . ".
At the same time, the reliability of the system is declining and it is becoming more and more susceptible to environmental and weather changes, he added.
But with the richer urban communities on renewable energy and smart micro-
Benjamin Morris of Pittsburgh Duquesne Light
The risk of a "death spiral" is highlighted, which may allow those who can't afford their own systems to pay more for the power grid.
"Customers who can afford distributed power generation are now paying for a small portion of the grid, which means customers who can't afford to install their own distributed power generation are paying for a larger share of the grid, "said Morris, senior manager of the power company.
The speaker said in Pittsburgh on Tuesday that as fewer people use the grid, those who are still dependent on the grid may pay the price of upgrading and maintaining a huge system, members of the Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities (100RC)initiative.
Fort Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto said production of local electricity was a key focus in the city's struggle with outdated infrastructure.
He added that factors such as the shift to clean energy and the introduction of electric buses will improve the city's air quality, which also feels the impact of pollution in western Ohio.
While tax incentives may have been used in the past to attract companies to cities like Pittsburgh, businesses are now considering broader prospects, and the panel has heard that due to cheaper energy, the prospect of cost reduction has also played a role.
Rich Fitzgerald, a Allegheny County Executive, said: "Now, the company is considering a more comprehensive approach . " He cited issues such as how to attract talent and build sustainable workplaces. (
Sophie Harres reports;
Edited by Megan Rowling.
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