Not yet “smart” Go 
Wired Magazine describes the 7 ways to fix the grid, now . Interestingly, they see that fixing the “grid is not a technology problem — it’s a system problem on the broadest scale.” Political issues, market problems and planning issues have created a system that is a significant challenge to approach and fix.
Seeking Alpha goes on to underscore that non-aligned incentives contribute to grid operations that do not provide optimal results. Simply, if there are issues with “unreliable” generation resources, then more investor-owned resources are required, which contributes to greater utility profit (return on asset base).
While it is one of many issues in the deployment of SmartGrid, IOActive explained to the Committee of Homeland Security and Department of Homeland Security the importance of using 3rd party security assessments for all SmartGrid technologies. The CIA has reported that cyberattacks have been used to disrupt power equipment in regions outside the US.
US Public Nuclear Power Support
While the US is only beginning to reconsider nuclear as a baseload generation source with low (no) emissions, the Europeans expect a true nuclear revival. Finland began construction in 2005, which is to be the first new Western European facility in 15 years.
In an effort consist with proposed “cap & trade” and RPS legislation, the EPA has sent a plan to the White House that labels CO2 a “danger to public welfare.” As the NYT reports, this will provide a “backstop” if Congress does not act.
The NYT goes on to report on the challenges within the environmental community as it relates to building solar plants in the Mojave Desert. The question remains on where to build renewable energy when there is strong local opposition.
ClimateWire reports on the attack of the “climate lobbyists” who are trying to get a piece of the action with any Congressional Committee who will listen. 20 bills that mention climate change have been introduced since January, in comparison to 60 over the 2005-2006 period.
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