Actually, the better way to support and protect the USA power grid is to add large numbers of "..distributed energy plants.." all over the country -- as opposed to building more major powerhouses or more ultra-high voltage transmission lines.
Large (G&T) plants and lines are easily subject to terrorist attacks, as are major switchyards - which are normally automated and unmanned. Also the environmental bashing and ridiculous interference by the bonehead liberals of the power industry has resulted in reduced profits/budgets which subsequently has resulted in downsizing of engineering, operating and maintenance staffs across the country.
Winds farms are good part-time resource, but fuel cell technology just isn't there yet. "..Anaerobic digestion.." technology (AD) producing methane-rich biogas can support CHP (combined heat & power) gas-turbine generators that provide power for more localized areas is available today. These distributed stations are actually (best) fueled by bovine manure from dairies or cattle feed yards. Manure from large hog lots is also a good source. In either case, AD eliminates the odors from the manure (..AD's are enclosed, encapsulated units..) and makes renewable power from a source otherwise expelling greenhouse gasses directly into the atmosphere.
Distributed AD (..and other technology..) CoGeneration units can also be fueled using Agribusiness process waste streams, switch grass, fouled-soiled or genetically undesirable grains, begasse and/or stubble from sugarcane or cornfields, litter from poultry growing operations, manure and mortality from large egg-laying operations, whey from cheese plants, sludge from municipal treatment plants, etc., etc.
With a strong national distributed (renewable Green Energy) system, power would be stabilized and somewhat more redundent as it arrives from many, many sources. The ability to knock down the overall grid would be significantly reduced.
This answer is being actively pursued, and is really the correct approach in my opinion. It also supports more R&D into smaller and more BTU-efficient conversions of fuel to energy. The best a utility powerhouse can do is a 36% conversion from coal, gas or oil energy to electricty. AD and other technologies produce much higher yields when CHP (combined heat & power) gas-turbine power generators are used.
John :-)
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