Xcel Energy has completed the third phase of the Sherco Solar project in Becker, Minnesota, which is sited to replace a retiring coal plant. With the
  • Mihies@programming.dev
    2·
    1 day ago

    Pumped hydro is better, but not available everywhere.

    Depending on geography, but yes, it’s rare that you have all requirements for it (hill, river etc.)

    I expect sodium-ion batteries to be the main type of storage going forward, but who knows?

    These certainly seem like the future. There is also fusion, but it won’t be feasible in near future if ever.

    • PuddleOfKittens@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      1·
      5 hours ago

      Honestly fusion isn’t worth talking about. The closest fusion has gotten to a viable power plant is Quaise, the geothermal startup that uses a maser (microwave laser) for drilling.

      Speaking of which, geothermal might well be the main baseload power plant.

      • Mihies@programming.dev
        1·
        5 hours ago

        Fusion is still making progress, though. Slowly, but progress nevertheless. I’m not sure how geothermal is viable in general but if we can harness it, it might do very well also for heating.