Electric Pipeline Corporation has invented and is developing polymer insulated electric pipelines "elpipes" for transmission of 3-30 GW through a pair of underground HVDC lines. Elpipes fit inside a pipeline that is similar to a gas pipeline, or they may be installed at the surface on conventional or narrow gauge railroad tracks. The train like features of elpipes make them convenient to install and convenient to repair.
This excerpt from David J.C. McKay's book is one of the best introductions to understanding our trade-offs on energy for the future. He compares the footprints of a wind-based future versus solar versus biomass in an easy to visualize way.
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