Why does Texas have its own power grid, and how can its history inform the future of electric power in the state? Nonresident scholar Julie Cohn looks beyond the mythology surrounding the standalone Texas grid and finds that reliability and economics — not politics — were the major factors leading to isolation.
Gas geoeconomics is an essential prerequisite for victory over Russia in Ukraine and US credibility in Asia—and should be one of Washington’s top national security priorities, the authors write.
Gabriel Collins, Anna B. Mikulska, Steven R. MilesAugust 25, 2022
In this paper, the authors seek to quantify the potential energy security consequences of a significant disruption of gas supplies from Russia to Europe, and objectively assess strengths, weaknesses, and consequences of potential response strategies.
Gabriel Collins, Kenneth B. Medlock III, Anna B. Mikulska, Steven R. MilesFebruary 11, 2022
With opposition to large-scale energy infrastructure on the rise, transmission service providers find it problematic to build the new power lines essential to a greener grid. This paper highlights the Texas Competitive Renewable Energy Zone initiative (CREZ) — a case study of the difficulties that new power lines face and the policy choices that can facilitate development of this necessary infrastructure. The CREZ experience can inform development of new large-scale transmission infrastructure in other regions.
Author Julie Cohn traces historical trends and experiences with the U.S. electrical grid to help frame choices as more renewables are brought into the system.
As we look to the future of space travel, we should heed the lessons we are learning on the International Space Station, be realistic about space exploration beyond Earth orbit, build on the foundation of the station and our partnerships, and do human exploration from the onset together.
Former head of NASA Johnson Space Center George W.S. Abbey explains why the space shuttle program was, and still is, vital to the maintenance of the International Space Station.