Why do we need Flexitricity if renewable and nuclear generators are the future?
Electricity from wind, wave, solar and tidal power stations is generated when the resource is available, not when consumers need electricity. By allowing the electricity system to adjust both consumption and generation, Flexitricity makes it possible for a much larger volume of variable renewable generation to be absorbed. Nuclear power stations can be designed to be moderately flexible, but for a number of technical and economic reasons, it is much better to operate them as “base load” stations. Furthermore, nuclear generators are large, and getting larger. A big generator needs a lot of reserve in place just in case it trips. Go Back. | Go To Top.
Electricity from wind, wave, solar and tidal power stations is generated when the resource is available, not when consumers need electricity. By allowing the electricity system to adjust both consumption and generation, Flexitricity makes it possible for a much larger volume of variable renewable generation to be absorbed. Nuclear power stations can be designed to be moderately flexible, but for a number of technical and economic reasons, it is much better to operate them as “base load” stations. Furthermore, nuclear generators are large, and getting larger. A big generator needs a lot of reserve in place just in case it trips. Go Back.
