Use, Storage, and Grid:
The use and transmission of power has been a factor since the beginning of the electrical era. And decisons made early still impact today. Here is an interesting look at early issues. Is there something ironic about the fact a DC battery charged car company is called Tesla? DC or AC? DC versus AC remains an ongoing issue in grid design. But this is only one of many issues, especially in a world of increasing local climate-induced disasters from ice storms to tornados and the intermittant nature of many of the alternative energy solutions.
On the "use" side there are competing things happening. On the one hand, technology changes like LED lights, automatic timers, microwave heating, and increasing miniturization have the potential to lower electricity demand. But phasing out of fossil fuel for local heating and transportation means increasing the total electrical power required. Switching to Heat Pumps, for example, are a great way to wean ourselves off oil, propane, and methane fuels, but electicity use goes up. In many places, airconditioning and heating demand is accelerating due to global warming and accompanying "freak" weather. For all of this, building standards for new buildings are NOT keeping pace! And what happens when the grid goes down? How do we "load balance"?
Finally, there is the notion of microgrids. There is the issue of overhead powerlines, and potential impacts of AC radiation and interference with communications. And big storms. Is there a better way?
2. Battery storage pros and cons.
3. The multiple problems of "standards".
4. The world of nasty storms.