How European Countries Share and Trade Electricity

Highly interconnected grids are far more robust and capable of facing interruptions, shortages, and other problems. This is in stark contrast to what happened in Texas during the winter of 2021, where a self-contained grid failed to cope with the situation. A surplus of power was available elsewhere in the United States, but the grids were not connected, and support could not come from other parts of the country. In Europe, however, we do not share electricity; we trade it. Different national authorities have agreements in place that can be activated in seconds in case of need, but in most cases, exchanges are planned well in advance, especially when major power plants undergo routine servicing.

Why Europe Needs a High-Capacity European Grid

It's important to understand that Europe is a single, interconnected economic bloc, with no borders for goods, services, or people. This means that an energy company in the Netherlands can buy electricity in Norway. On a sunny and windy day in the summer, Germany produces so much green energy that it has to find a way to export its surplus. Conversely, a few years ago, Belgium faced significant difficulties when many of its nuclear power stations were off-line for repair and had to import much of its electricity from other countries. These examples highlight why building a highly interconnected and high-capacity European grid is essential for Europe.

The Importance of Energy Sharing and Trading

Europe's energy system is not a unified entity but a interconnected network of grids managed by national authorities with agreements to trade and share power. This system ensures that when one country's power needs exceed its production capabilities, it can readily import power from neighboring countries. Conversely, when a country produces excess power, it can export it. This is crucial in balancing supply and demand and ensuring energy security.

The Role of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, play a significant role in Europe's energy landscape. By trading and sharing these resources, European countries can achieve a more stable and sustainable energy system. For instance, Germany, with its substantial renewable energy potential, can export excess power to neighboring countries when weather conditions are optimal for producing green energy. Conversely, during periods of low production, countries can import this energy, ensuring a steady supply.

Comparing Self-Contained Grids and Interconnected Systems

The Texas incident serves as a compelling example of the benefits of interconnected grids. In contrast to the self-contained grid in Texas, a highly interconnected European grid can better handle fluctuations in energy supply. When a country faces a surge in energy production, it can quickly distribute this excess to neighboring countries, preventing waste and ensuring better use of renewable resources. This is in stark contrast to the scenario in Texas, where the absence of a robust energy trading framework led to significant problems.

The Future of Energy: Tesla's Technology and 'Free Energy'

While the current energy trading systems are essential, there is a greater need to explore new technologies that could revolutionize the energy landscape. One such technology is the work of Nikola Tesla, a pioneer in electrical engineering. Tesla's research on tapping into the electromagnetic energy produced by our planet, the electrical energy produced by the sun, and the electrical energy in space (or 'aether') could potentially provide 'free energy.'

Tesla's work was prematurely halted due to the significant financial interests in the fossil fuel industry. Despite this, many engineers have continued to develop and refine Tesla's technology to production standards. However, these advancements have been suppressed by governments and industries. The concept of 'free energy' is now gaining traction, and there is hope that it could provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution to global energy needs.

Although there is potential for domestic generators to produce up to 4kW at a relatively low cost, the development of large-scale generators capable of meeting national energy demands requires substantial investment in research and development. Universities and scientists must be encouraged to innovate, ensuring that such technology is not only available but also scalable and reliable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Europe currently trades electricity, the potential benefits of a highly interconnected and robust European grid are immense. This system enhances stability, supports renewable energy, and ensures energy security. Additionally, the exploration of new technologies, such as those pioneered by Nikola Tesla, could revolutionize the energy sector, providing a more sustainable and efficient future. It is crucial for governments, policymakers, and innovators to embrace these opportunities and work towards a brighter, more energy-efficient future.