We must become the forest
Turning our top-down energy system bottom-up requires three things, metaphorically speaking: trees, a fungal network, and wood elves
Finally, clean energy for renters
If we can't depend on our centralized energy system, then we must decentralize it. Enter DERs: Distributed Energy Resources. Small power producers and energy storers, dispersed like dandelion fluff across the country. There are even opportunities for renters—finally!—to get in on the action.
We need to upend our energy system in the next 5 years
To power all the data centers coming online, experts believe we need to build 150–200 GW of new electricity generation. Under our longstanding top-down energy system, that will not be possible. But there is an alternative solution.
