Positive Energy

There was an article in yesterday's Toronto Star about a pilot project by Toronto Hydro is install large scale batteries to store and regulate the availability of electricity through peaks and troughs of demand. The first of these encased lithium ion batteries has been installed in a North York neighbourhood and can power nine homes if the grid goes down. http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1318213--big-batteries-could-solve-hydro-surges-and-shortages

Of course this is a big deal if the power goes out altogether, but it could also make a difference in those times of significant demand during the summer when everyone has their air-conditioning units chugging away. It would mean that rather than building new nuclear power plants at the cost of billions to respond to the highest demands, these neighbourhood units could be charged up and then meet the need in those peak periods.

Essentially this is why we have water towers in communities. Instead of installing huge pumps to respond to the highest demand times the stored water is used, then the holding tanks are recharged during the night when demand is low. The batteries are the electricity equivalent, the way I figure it.

Another way of responding to peak demands periods is to have solar installations all over the grid. Solar panels work at maximum efficiency when the demand is greatest -- at midday and in summer, when it is sunny. The Ontario Microfit program encourages this alternative, non-polluting form of energy generation to reduce brown-outs and smog.

Hey, what if churches installed solar panels as part of this program? Hold on, that is what St. Paul's is doing right now! Those panels on our south-facing roof will soon be contributing to the grid, reducing greenhouse gases and particulate in the air.

I hope this makes you breathe easier about why a Christian congregation is installing the panels in January. Think June, July, and August. Folks, we're awesome!

Comments?