Automation Gives Alternative Energy a BoostAutomation Gives Alternative Energy a Boost

Alternative energy sources -- specifically solar and wind -- are on their way to giving fossil fuels a true run for their money thanks to a boost from automation technology. The inconsistencies of solar and wind power generation are getting smoothed out by automation tools that deal with volatile load swings, which have enabled their increasing integration into the electricity grid.

Strategies such as the use of micro-grids and non-human fine-tuning are also bringing alternative energy into the mainstream. But developments such as falling prices for oil and gas and the lifting of government incentives could give fossil fuels a new sheen and keep alternative energy in its second-class position.