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Article
May 14, 2012
Complexity Theory and the Smart Grid

Will a smarter grid be adaptable enough to meet all the demands that the complexity of smart grid is creating? Do we have enough infrastructure and organizational robustness to carry us through? Time will tell.

Insights, Smart Grid
Article
May 8, 2012
Energy Regulatory Insanity

The reliability of that sea of electrons that propels the mighty American industrial engine depends on sound engineering, physics, chemistry, and fiscal responsibility.

Insights, Policy
Article
May 1, 2012
If We Build It, Will They Come?

Terrific career opportunities are opening up in the power industry for those who focus and take the effort to prepare.
 

Insights, Business, Energy Education
1
Article
April 21, 2012
Globalization of the American Power Engineer

Is your company more concerned about travel budgets than it is about falling behind?

Insights, Business, Policy
Article
April 16, 2012
Finally a Grownup Weighs in on the Wind Production Tax Credit

Readers may recall the flak U.S. automakers have taken over the years about miles-per-gallon CAFE standards.

Insights, On-site PV/wind, Wind, Utility Generation, Customer Generation
Article
April 9, 2012
A Nuclear Power Option That Makes Sense

The woes at San Onofre nuclear power plant offer an opportunity to reconsider Alvin Weinberg's dream: the thorium alternative.

Insights, Nuclear, Utility Generation
Article
April 3, 2012
New Grid Optimization Center of Excellence: More than 'Smart Grid'

One-stop access to the latest electric grid technology news, research and implementation.

Insights, Smart Grid, Energy Education
Article
March 26, 2012
Wind Energy: Islands of Progress

Some creative research may help to reboot the industry

Insights, Wind, Utility Generation
Article
March 19, 2012
Wind Production Tax Credits No Longer Make Sense!

Wind energy is pretty much past its technology development stage. What’s the point of further PTC or other subsidies?

Insights, Wind, Utility Generation
Article
March 12, 2012
Solar Flare Impact on the Electric Grid: There’s More to the Story

Last week’s Insight (see Geomagnetic Storms Could Blow Away the Power Grid: Fixes are Possible When And If We Get Concerned Enough) discussed the potential of impacts of geomagnetic induced currents (GIC) on the power grid. I expressed the opinion that the utility industry usually takes major preventive action only after a disaster strikes, and that we weren’t doing enough to protect the North American grid.

Insights, Electric Transmission, Energy Delivery