Actually, from what he presented, that is pretty much what would be required.
I don't get that impression at all. He makes a point about being able to predict loads and generation, which strongly suggests that the strategy is to plan well in advance where the power comes from and where it goes to.
Also, large power stations are located along strategically designed/placed transmission corridors and still generally only serve a regional load based on years of growth and demand. And don't confuse the marketing of power with the actual transmission.
Rather, transmission corridors are strategically located to link power plants to the grid. Power plants are built where they have the resources and infrastructure to support them - near waterways, for example, or close to their source of fuel.
Market is a total sum game and the buyers and sellers don't really control where the power comes from or goes, they just ensure enough is available regionally. The power generated closest to the user is what is used, even if it is credited for sale in a different area.
Not entirely true. Utilities (who are resellers) prioritize the lowest cost power sources first, and only buy more expensive power if necessary.
Here's a quick example, which I chose because it's germane to the overall topic of renewable integration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
The power generated closest to the user is what is used, even if it is credited for sale in a different area.
Nope. A good portion of my electricity comes from a coal plant upstate, but there are gas turbine power stations just a few miles from here... they only turn on those turbines for peak shaving, because they cost more per KWh to run. You can tell if they're running or not because you can see the cooling towers steaming up from the highway.
Power comes from the cheapest available source, not the closest. Not all power plants operate equally, or even all the time.
=Smidge=