An interesting take on solar

[Loren Pechtel]

http://arstechnica.com/science/2015...uctions-on-the-cheap-solar-aided-coal-plants/

Instead of generating power with the solar energy they are using it to boost the efficiency of a fossil-fuel fired plant. This avoids most of the infrastructure-related issues with solar power but still generates power and reduces emissions.

 

[Derec]

Interesting possibility for a transition technology or sure.
I still think though that the biggest advantage of solar is its ability to be very decentralized and not use any net space by putting it on things like roofs. That requires storage though of course, but it would greatly reduce the need for long-distance transmission lines.

 

[bilby]

http://arstechnica.com/science/2015...uctions-on-the-cheap-solar-aided-coal-plants/

Instead of generating power with the solar energy they are using it to boost the efficiency of a fossil-fuel fired plant. This avoids most of the infrastructure-related issues with solar power but still generates power and reduces emissions.

Sounds like the coal industry making a desperate bid to remain relevant.

We have all the technologies we need to phase out burning of coal completely. We should use them.

This idea sounds to me like a 19th century ostler trying to promote a steam assisted horse-drawn buggy, because such a contraption would have all the benefits of steam power, while not putting him out of business.

 

[Togo]

http://arstechnica.com/science/2015...uctions-on-the-cheap-solar-aided-coal-plants/

Instead of generating power with the solar energy they are using it to boost the efficiency of a fossil-fuel fired plant. This avoids most of the infrastructure-related issues with solar power but still generates power and reduces emissions.

Sounds like the coal industry making a desperate bid to remain relevant.

We have all the technologies we need to phase out burning of coal completely. We should use them.

This idea sounds to me like a 19th century ostler trying to promote a steam assisted horse-drawn buggy, because such a contraption would have all the benefits of steam power, while not putting him out of business.

I seem to remember there were indeed steam-assisted horse-drawn buggies.