Renewable Energy, Economics, & Inertia - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica discusses the critical relationship between electrical power availability, economic growth, and the challenges posed by the transition to renewable energy sources. Bloomberg Economics highlights that increased grid stress—caused by supply-demand imbalances, price volatility, climate impacts, and transmission losses—has become prevalent among Group of 20 countries. This stress reduces government and business investment in long-term assets, ultimately slowing economic growth. The report emphasizes that electricity consumption correlates strongly with economic prosperity across various regions and historical periods, with demand currently outstripping supply due to factors like electric vehicle adoption and the rapid expansion of data centers. A significant technical challenge arises from the nature of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, which generates direct current and lacks the mechanical inertia provided by traditional thermal generators spinning at grid frequency. This inertia is crucial for grid stability, as it helps maintain consistent frequency and prevents blackouts. The article cites the example of synchronous compensators—heavy machines that mimic this inertia and can stabilize the grid