[lyschoening]

A large enough HVDC grid would almost totally eliminate the need for backup power. There's always wind or sun somewhere and HVDC transmission losses are <5% per 1,000mi. It's possible to build a grid where pumped and battery storage alone can smoothen out any fluctuations.

[Terr_]

Then you'd need a global network for sun at night, which has correspondingly greater challenges in terms of coordination and "booting" it back up.