Monday, April 27, 2009

Visualizing The Power Grid


Click on the title above to access a very comprehensive and interactive map of our nation's power grid. You can find out how states generate energy and what is the projected growth of our energy networks in the coming decades. Notice Florida's dependency on oil.

1 comment:

  1. I thought that this power grid map was really interesting! It is unbelievable to think that Florida is the leader of oil as an energy source in the continental US. Hawaii uses FAR more oil, but this can be justified, to a certain degree, due to is geographic location. It is really interesting to note how location can help with energy use. For example, in the state of Washington, 71% of their energy comes from Hydroelectric plants. This is because of the high mountains and ample water supply which amount for ideal conditions for conducting hydroelectric power! Sadly, Florida was not blessed with mountainous terrain, and for that, we depend on other forms of energy. We do however, have a higher capacity for solar energy that is yet to be completely harnessed. I also find it interesting that, in general, this nation's dependency on coal remains high. I understand our production of coal is high, yet it is still a fossil fuel and a nonrenewable resource. I can only hope that in the coming years, further legislation will be passed to restrict the use of fossil fuels and to gradually ween the states of the detrimental dependence.

    Kelly Cox
    Period 6

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