We, as humans, are speeding up climate change one carbon footprint at a time, leaving our fragile world in jeopardy. Only as individuals, acting together, do we have the power to begin to shift that change into a new, positive direction. So, what do an octopus and an electric grid have to do with all of that? A lot more than you think.
When thinking about the mysteries of the ocean, the octopus ranks high. King of camouflage, squeezing into tight spaces, and warding away predators with a cloud of ink, it’s certainly notorious for being more on the peculiar side when it comes to ocean animals.
However, did you know that an octopus’s nervous system is extraordinary too, as its tentacles contain the majority of its neurological make-up? In other words, the “brains” of the octopus are not just located centrally in its head, but spread out across an entire vast network in its tentacles. This essentially means an octopus’s tentacles act interdependently, allowing for split-second reaction times and quick changes of speed.
Now, what does all of that have to do with an electric grid?
First, an electric grid built for clean energy needs to be able to respond with accuracy and speed if the needs of the grid itself change. This allows for quick voltage stabilization, which a traditional power plant can’t do.
Take a look at our mascot below. Imagine an electric grid that is similar in structure to this, with an even amount of “tentacles” on each side and a central hub. When a clean energy electric grid allows for evenly-distributed resources, it leads to decreases in greenhouse gas emissions, raises reliability, and even lowers your monthly electric bill. Talk about reducing your carbon footprint!
Much like an octopus with its unique brain, left and right tentacles, a clean energy grid system would have three parts that would work as one great being.
The Central Grid mirrors the octopus’s brain. This part of the grid is responsible for balancing the load and supply and regulating voltage. At the base of the “head” are 8 DERs (distributed energy resources). Each one represents a tentacle, responding quickly to any grid changes that need to happen in real-time.
We already have the physical necessities in place for this, and the emerging technology that it would take to bring it to reality is well underway.
As we all know, choosing to bring clean energy into your homes and businesses as a society would be one of the great catalysts that could potentially begin to shift climate change in a healthier direction for the Earth. To make that dream come true, it requires an electrical grid with better responsiveness. For now, we can look to the ways of the octopus for inspiration on a more efficient and sophisticated “green” grid – one that responds in real time to its own needs, is more reliable and flexible, and has parts that work together towards a common goal.
Are you curious about what your current options are for leveraging clean energy and lowering your electric rate? We would love to educate you on the solutions available to you. Schedule a call with us here: https://letsmeet.io/dantewhite/15-minute-initial-consultation
