TED Talks Daily The high-wire act of unlocking clean energy | Jason Huang
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Jan 31, 2025 
Jason Huang, a materials scientist, discusses the urgent need to modernize the global power grid for a sustainable future. He reveals why relying on outdated technology is insufficient to meet rising energy demands. Huang introduces advanced conductor materials that can significantly boost grid efficiency and reliability. Through real-world examples, he illustrates how these innovations can lead to cost savings and a cleaner environment. His insights emphasize the potential for a climate-resilient energy system that benefits everyone.
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Grid Capacity Limitations
- The current power grid, while sophisticated, isn't equipped for total electrification.
- It lacks the capacity to handle renewable energy sources and two-thirds of current energy consumption.
Outdated Conductors
- The biggest bottleneck in our power grid are its conductors, which use outdated 1908 technology.
- Advanced conductors can triple capacity and reduce line loss by half.
Evolution of Conductors
- Traditional ACSR conductors use steel and aluminum, limiting capacity due to the aluminum's temperature sensitivity.
- ACSS conductors, developed later, allow high-temperature operation but suffer from excessive sagging.