Wayfarer

Renewable Energy Is at the Center of the Presidential Debate

A square 100 miles on a side in the Arizona desert filled with solar thermal would supply all of the energy this nation currently uses and at today's prices. Solar thermal is also a baseload power because it can be stored as a salt brine in 'insulated vaults' for days. This, PV on roof tops, and wind can and will supply most of the power to the West within a few decades. It will be phased in as old coal and gas plants are retired. If a new transmission grid is built the Southwest can supply the entire nation. Arizona power has begun construction on a 250 meg solar thermal plant south of Phoenix. California has a number that will soon break dirt.