Chapter

Power Plants and Peak Capacity
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23:47 - 30:28 (06:41)

The different types of generation plants that are used to create energy in the United States are discussed, including peaker plants, which burn diamonds upon start up, and how the people who manage the grid determine which generation plants to run.

Clips
Energy Star program and efficient appliance design will increase energy efficiency by 1% annually from now until 2050, largely driven by residential demand, which accounts for 38% of power consumption.
23:47 - 25:40 (01:53)
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Energy Efficiency
Summary

Energy Star program and efficient appliance design will increase energy efficiency by 1% annually from now until 2050, largely driven by residential demand, which accounts for 38% of power consumption.

Chapter
Power Plants and Peak Capacity
Episode
How the Electrical Grid Works
Podcast
Stuff You Should Know
Exploring the benefits of managing our electricity use and how it would have a positive impact on energy consumption rates.
25:40 - 27:28 (01:48)
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Energy Management
Summary

Exploring the benefits of managing our electricity use and how it would have a positive impact on energy consumption rates.

Chapter
Power Plants and Peak Capacity
Episode
How the Electrical Grid Works
Podcast
Stuff You Should Know
Natural gas has increased from 12% of the energy mix in 1990 to 38% in 2019 due to fracking.
27:28 - 28:14 (00:46)
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Natural gas, fracking
Summary

Natural gas has increased from 12% of the energy mix in 1990 to 38% in 2019 due to fracking. It is cheaper, cleaner, and more responsive to demand than coal.

Chapter
Power Plants and Peak Capacity
Episode
How the Electrical Grid Works
Podcast
Stuff You Should Know
The three types of electricity generation plants are base load, load-following, and peaking plants.
28:14 - 29:09 (00:55)
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electricity generation
Summary

The three types of electricity generation plants are base load, load-following, and peaking plants. Base load plants, such as coal-fired power plants, produce the majority of the electricity consumed. Load-following plants, such as natural gas-fired power plants, are used to meet short-term increases in demand during peak times.

Chapter
Power Plants and Peak Capacity
Episode
How the Electrical Grid Works
Podcast
Stuff You Should Know
In the US power grid, natural gas accounts for 38% while coal and nuclear are at 23% and 20% respectively.
29:09 - 30:28 (01:19)
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Energy Sources
Summary

In the US power grid, natural gas accounts for 38% while coal and nuclear are at 23% and 20% respectively. Wind and hydroelectric power make up 7% each, while biomass and solar energy only account for 2% and 1.8%, respectively.

Chapter
Power Plants and Peak Capacity
Episode
How the Electrical Grid Works
Podcast
Stuff You Should Know