Good points. Yes, storage definitely helps, and microgrids are generally able to have some storage, if only to smooth out variation in power generation for local use. But solar storms can last days, even if a large long-lasting event is very, very unlikely. And it’s definitely true that if large facilities have storage, shutdowns will have reduced impact—but I understand that the transformers are used for power transmission, so having local storage at the large generators won’t change the need to shut down the transformers used for sending that power to consumers.
Good points. Yes, storage definitely helps, and microgrids are generally able to have some storage, if only to smooth out variation in power generation for local use. But solar storms can last days, even if a large long-lasting event is very, very unlikely. And it’s definitely true that if large facilities have storage, shutdowns will have reduced impact—but I understand that the transformers are used for power transmission, so having local storage at the large generators won’t change the need to shut down the transformers used for sending that power to consumers.
How much impact, if any, would it have if more of our long and medium distance transmission lines eventually moved to HVDC lines?
That is an interesting question l, but I unfortunately do not know enough to even figure out how to answer it.