BBC Inside Science How vulnerable is our power supply?
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May 29, 2025 In this intriguing discussion, science journalist Caroline Steel joins experts Keith Bell and David Brayshaw to unravel the recent power outages in Spain and their implications for the UK's power supply. They dive into the vulnerabilities of electrical grids amid rising energy demands and climate challenges. The conversation even takes a fascinating turn with cyborg cockroaches aiding disaster rescue operations and a focus on the remarkable regeneration abilities of the critically endangered axolotl, hinting at potential breakthroughs for spinal cord repair.
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Power Grids Can Be Vulnerable
- Any power grid, including the UK's, could experience a large-scale blackout similar to Spain's recent outage. - The interconnectedness of power systems brings both cheaper energy and vulnerability to disturbances like faults or power station failures.
Renewables Change Grid Dynamics
- Renewable energy sources like solar and wind make power systems weather-dependent and less predictable. - Managing power grids now involves balancing fluctuating supply from renewables with demand in new complex ways.
Plan for Dunkelflouter Periods
- Grid management must account for varying availability of wind and solar energy and plan alternative low-carbon resources for demand. - Use scenarios like a "dunkelflouter," a prolonged period of low wind and sun, to stress-test energy supply planning.