The Grid
The energy grid is an incredibly complex and crucial system powering all homes, businesses, and factories. Without the energy grid, it would not be easy to ensure our lights stay on at night, water flows out of the sink, and stop lights function. It is so vast that an average light bulb gets power from over 300 miles away. So, where does this process begin - and where does it end? Most consider the energy grid to include three different sectors - production, transmission, and distribution.
1. Production
Electricity begins its journey as an element - usually gas, oil, or coal. After mining and refining, one of the world's power plants receives these fuels. At any given moment, 9,320 oil tankers are floating in our seas to deliver fossil fuels. That's the equivalent of almost one million Olympic sized swimming pools filled with oil. At power plants, combustion of fossil fuels heats water, which in turn spins turbines. These turbines are attached to "giant magnets," which stimulate the flow of electrons. Electricity produced from these generators is typically low voltage (think of voltage as pressure), so they must be transformed to high voltage for transport. This process takes advantage of electromagnetic fields to radically "increase the pressure" of the electricity.
2. Transmission
Transmission lines are critical to carrying high-voltage electricity over long distances. These vast power lines follow under our roads or above them. Overhead cables are prone to damage from extreme weather conditions but are much cheaper. Underground wires are insulated much better, improving the efficiency of energy transport. Transmission lines are remarkably interconnected to enhance the reliability of electricity. This layout explains why when there's a storm, you may see a flicker of your lights. The energy grid redirects the power going to your home.
3. Distribution
Finally, your electricity reaches your home or business with distribution lines. A network of copper wires, which enter from the powerlines to your breaker, enable you to binge-watch your favorite TV shows, charge your phone, and keep our house lit. Over 200 Million homes, businesses, and school relay on this network every day and night. However, our energy grid has a dark side.
Our power is not free. Not for your money, the Earth's climate, and the workers involved. We are relying on a system built over a hundred years ago - where we didn't think about tomorrow. Now, tomorrow is today - and we have a chance to change that energy grid. Please help us make the network more sustainable, reliable, and efficient. Together, we can change climate change.
