Nuclear power appears to be a powerful way to make steam that spins a turbine. Same with geothermal, wind, & hydro. Maybe not solar? Isn’t energy lost in the multiple energy conversions (heat, water state, kinetic)? Is it theoretically possible to have a power source that more directly moves electrons through a circuit? If solar is the only one that can, it’s limited in efficiency and where it can be used. What about power generation undersea or on Ganymede or something?
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One big advantage of spinning turbines is that they can smooth out changes in energy flux before it reaches the grid. They also have limited ability to continue generating power if the reactor has to be shut down quickly (RIP Valery Legasov). They’re also just incredibly efficient in general, so conversion losses aren’t that big a deal.
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