Reply To: Spaceflight?

[Phil’s Dad]

It is perfectly reasonable to start by plugging generator modules into existing transmission / distribution networks to prove the viability of the product and until people get used to the idea – I have no problem with that. Still I don’t think it will be long (i.e. weeks after launch) before large businesses (and after them local government bodies) grab hold of this. (There are individual computers that can eat 5MW).

The mom and pop local store analogy is still the before picture though. What is being created here is more like the hairdresser (stay with me! ;-P ). It is a local service with very few large branded chains (some, but not many). The fundamental difference is they don’t need the supply chain a food store needs and economies of scale are pretty thin on the ground. They still have a skilled work force backed up by the less skilled. They can still be quite big in local terms (the full on beauty salon maybe). They still need the special piece of kit (stretch the analogy and say the adjustable chair or the drying hood)They can still do it better than the next guy – in fact that’s how they stay in business. They have a supply chain – for scissors or shampoo or what ever, spare parts – but not for the product (be it haircuts or electricity) only for the tools of the trade. That’s much closer to the future of energy supply. But enough analogy.

The obvious place to put these babies is in place of the final step down transformer. Its already a fairly secure site. The distribution cables are in. They typically (Rematog will put me right here if I’m way off ) service about the right number of end users and the NIMBY’s have long since moved on. Easy. 🙂

Producing enough to satisfy demand will be challenging – but what a nice challenge to have. China has the political and financial muscle to turn its entire manufacturing industry on to this project overnight. It’s a climbable mountain. We just need to make the stuff work first. (I mean that both ways too – we need to be the first to make the stuff work). I’m going to lay down in a darkened room now.