Comments by "Scott Franco" (@scottfranco1962) on "The 'duck curve' is solar energy's greatest challenge" video.

  1. PSH or pump storage hydro, is the most efficient and cost effective means of storage. It doesn't really matter HOW efficient it is, since storing power is more efficient than just throwing it in the garbage because you can't use it. Further, a HUGE number of reservoirs are high mountain reservoirs feeding lower storage reservoirs. These systems can easily be converted to send the water back up from the lower to the higher dam. Its even possible to run PSH without fresh water or without a reservoir. Creating a reservoir for seawater in the high mountains can do it without using any fresh water, then letting it run back to the ocean. Water can also be let into abandoned underground mines and then pumped back out, again possibly as sea water.
    16
  2. Solar works in the daytime. Wind power works in the nighttime. A 12 year old could solve that problem. Hydropower works by sending water DOWNHILL. Energy can be stored by sending it back UPHILL. A 12 year old could see the solution there. We can send power hugely long distances via the grid. There are places that have more sun, and places that have more wind. You could even send power from the lit side of the world to the dark side. A 12 year old could see what to do there. We need more 12 year olds.
    1