The Second War of Currents: How DC Is Quietly Taking Over - CleanTechnica

Source: cleantechnica
Author: @cleantechnica
Published: 10/28/2025
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Read original articleThe article "The Second War of Currents: How DC Is Quietly Taking Over" from CleanTechnica explores the historical and emerging dynamics between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electricity. AC became the dominant form of electrical transmission in the late 19th century due to its ability to efficiently travel long distances via transformers that could step voltage up and down. This advantage was famously championed by Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse, overcoming Thomas Edison’s direct current system, which was limited to short-range distribution. The first "war of currents" was marked by intense rivalry, including Edison’s attempts to discredit AC by highlighting its dangers. Ultimately, AC’s technical benefits established it as the backbone of the modern electric grid, with standardized frequencies of 60 Hz in the U.S. and 50 Hz elsewhere.
However, the article highlights a quiet resurgence of DC in the contemporary energy landscape, driven by technological advancements and changing economic factors. Modern electronics and renewable energy systems inherently
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energydirect-currentalternating-currentelectricity-transmissionrenewable-energypower-gridelectrical-engineering