Superpower

Superpower chronicles the ambitious efforts of Michael Skelly to build a massive renewable energy network across America. The book follows Skelly's journey from wind energy pioneer to infrastructure visionary as he attempts to modernize the U.S. power grid. Through detailed reporting and interviews, Russell Gold presents the technical, financial, and political obstacles involved in transforming America's electricity system. The narrative centers on Clean Line Energy Partners' mission to construct long-distance transmission lines for delivering wind power from the Great Plains to major population centers. Gold interweaves the history of America's electrical grid development with the contemporary push for renewable energy adoption. The parallel stories highlight how the challenges of building infrastructure in the modern regulatory environment compare to the early days of electrification. The book brings attention to a critical but often overlooked aspect of renewable energy - the infrastructure needed to deliver clean power across vast distances. It raises fundamental questions about America's capacity to transition to sustainable energy while navigating competing interests and complex regulations.

Readers describe the book as a balanced look at renewable energy development through the lens of Michael Skelly's Clean Line project. Many appreciate Gold's clear explanations of complex energy infrastructure topics and the human story behind wind power development. Liked: - Detailed reporting on the regulatory and political challenges - Clear technical explanations without jargon - Strong narrative structure following Skelly's journey - Balanced perspective on renewable energy debates Disliked: - Some found the focus on one person/company too narrow - Technical sections overwhelming for casual readers - Wanted more discussion of other renewable technologies - Story ends without clear resolution Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (157 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (47 ratings) Notable reader comment: "The book excels at showing how building transmission lines is just as challenging as generating the power itself - a crucial but often overlooked part of the renewable energy puzzle." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 Russell Gold spent fifteen years as a reporter at The Wall Street Journal, where he won several awards for his coverage of energy and climate change. ⚡ The book's central figure, Michael Skelly, previously worked building theme parks in Italy before becoming a renewable energy pioneer. 🌍 The Clean Line project described in the book aimed to build a network of transmission lines that would have transported enough wind power to serve 1.5 million homes. 💨 The Plains states contain enough wind energy potential to power the entire United States several times over, but lack sufficient transmission infrastructure to distribute it. 🏗️ Despite the ultimate failure of Clean Line Energy, the book's lessons influenced later renewable energy projects, including the successful SOO Green HVDC Link underground transmission project.