BEYOND COPENHAGEN

The U.S. electricity grid, maintaining reliability and security of supply, while expanding and integrating new variable energy sources and lowering reliance on carbon-heavy generation. Topics include efforts to rebuild the aging system and incorporate “smart grid” technologies, the integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, private and public initiatives for electric efficiency, power markets versus state regulation, and political controversy over siting of new transmission lines and the role of federal regulation. Also covered are the potential effects of electrifying transportation including how mass use of battery technologies will affect the grid.