We need a distributed energy system
Dear Editor:
The May 7 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline reveals challenges not only to the U.S. cyber defenses, but also to the vulnerability of our energy system. A centralized system for delivering fossil fuels, generating electricity, and for distributing electricity is not secure. This ransomware attack reveals just one of many potential weaknesses.
A distributed energy system, on the other hand, is much more secure. Rooftop solar panels on homes and businesses plus battery storage is a more reliable and secure way to power our homes and businesses.
Electric vehicles will eliminate long lines at gas stations. The technology exists. Prices are coming down. Electrification must be supported. The Clean Cars Act adopted in the last session of the Virginia General Assembly goes a long way towards electrifying transportation, and qualifying Virginia for federal funding programs. Already, as part of the Volkswagen Settlement, there are funding opportunities in Virginia to electrify school buses, government fleets, and install public charging stations.
On May 10, Governor Ralph Northam announced more than $9.4 million in Clean Air Communities Program awards to fund five government fleet electrification projects. While Loudoun was not in the first round of awards, the second-round webinar for potential applicants is starting on May 17, 2021. Details are on the Department of Environmental Quality website: https://deq.virginia.gov/get-involved/topics-of-interest/volkswagen-settlement-agreement The second round includes school bus electrification grants.
Loudoun must take advantage of these opportunities to build a cleaner and more resilient community prepared for a changing climate.
Natalie Pien, Leesburg
Comments
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I believe you are making excellent points for an emergency back-up capability for homes but not for business/manufacturing applications. The distribution of energy controlled by sophisticated management is extremely efficient but does not have to be linked to fossil fuels. That is a false connection as hydro power is also distributed via utility power lines. This is an important area to study and I am glad you raised it. Part of why nuclear is not used more often is the D.O.E. insistence power be driven by bomb making material instead of thorium. Part of why nuclear is not used more often is the Obama decision to close the only highly hazardous waste repository in the USA (Yucca Mountain) as a political favor to a Senator from Nevada. There are many other POLITICAL impediments to safely and efficiently distributing energy worthy of investigation so thank you for bringing up the topic. Also ask yourself why is it (REALLY) our government still allows the dark web to serve as a transaction market for criminals?