The cheapest and likeliest pathway to a cleaner energy future is one that leverages, not duplicates, the existing electric grid and associated infrastructure, writes Dr. Joshua Rhodes in a new article in The Conversation. Rhodes’ article provides a snapshot of new research he has conducted on what the existing electric grid is worth, what it would cost to replace it, and which technologies are best suited for needed investment. Rhodes based his analysis on calculations derived from a variety of public reports, and estimates for new construction and standard approaches for estimating depreciation. From there, he quantified the value of the nation’s assets for power generation, transmission and distribution. For more, read the entire article, which also has been published in the San Antonio Express-News, the Houston Chronicle, the San Francisco Gate, the Albany (NY) Times-Union, and Salon.
