Summary
David Hsu delivers a lecture on urban energy systems and the importance of the electrical grid as a foundational element for future decarbonization efforts. He emphasizes that electricity will be central to clean energy scenarios, given its relatively clean use compared to fossil fuels. Hsu discusses the historical development of the grid, describing it as one of the largest machines ever built, and highlights the challenges of matching electricity supply with demand, particularly in the absence of effective storage solutions.
Hsu explains that the current grid architecture is a historical artifact, shaped by over 150 years of development, and notes that it is essential to rethink how the grid operates to accommodate renewable energy sources like solar and wind. He introduces concepts such as demand response, where consumer behavior is adjusted to align with electricity supply, and the potential for technological advancements to improve grid efficiency. The lecture also touches on the socio-economic factors influencing electricity access and usage in various global contexts, illustrating the diverse challenges faced by different communities in managing their energy needs.
Show Notes
MIT 11.165 Urban Energy Systems and Policy, Fall 2022Instructor: Prof. David HsuUploaded 15-06-23View the complete course: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/11-165j-urban-energy-systems-and-policy-fall-2022/YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUl4u3cNGP63SEOB1q95TFs0hwyf1d7BGIn this video, Prof. Hsu discusses the history of the electrification of cities, along with the current state of electricity supply systems worldwide.[Note: Videos for lectures 16 through 22 are not available at this time.]This video has been dubbed using an artificial voice via https://aloud.area120.google.com to increase accessibility. You can change the audio track language in the Settings menu.License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SAMore information at https://ocw.mit.edu/termsMore courses at https://ocw.mit.eduSupport OCW at http://ow.ly/a1If50zVRlQWe encourage constructive comments and discussion on OCW’s YouTube and other social media channels. Personal attacks, hate speech, trolling, and inappropriate comments are not allowed and may be removed. More details at https://ocw.mit.edu/comments.Speakers: Prof. David Hsu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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