The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series The Night the Lights Went Out in Geor- er, Spain || Peter Zeihan
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May 10, 2025 A widespread power outage recently struck Spain and Portugal, sparking a discussion on the vulnerabilities of their renewable energy infrastructure. The conversation explores the key role of alternating current in electricity distribution and the technical challenges that come with energy transitions. Insights are shared on how traditional energy sources compare to renewables and the urgent need for advanced battery tech. Plus, the balance between renewable energy and fossil fuels is examined, alongside the potential of microgrids in isolated regions.
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Power Grid Wobble Explained
- The Spanish power outage was caused by instability in the 50 Hz electrical wobble.
- Lack of kinetic energy from thermal turbines to stabilize this wobble caused cascading failures.
Thermal vs Renewable Energy in Grids
- Thermal power plants provide kinetic energy to stabilize grid frequency fluctuations.
- Wind and solar generate direct current lacking kinetic inertia, causing grid instability.
Battery Solutions Are Long-Term
- To fix grid instability, install fast charge/discharge batteries like lithium titanium.
- Current global production and supply chain constraints make this a long-term challenge.