&gt;The problem with upgrading distribution network is of course the MASSIVE amounts capex needed to replace it.<p>No. This is primarily a <i>political</i> issue not a question of lack of resources, and the capex and difficulty required is, while high, typically overestimated by a large degree.<p>The main problem is that the networks are usually owned by monopoly utilities with interests in power generation. How much do you think they want to upgrade if the net result is more competition? Hell, they&#x27;d probably pay <i>not</i> to have to upgrade.<p>&gt;There are already extremely severe network problems in Germany for example where quite a bit of power comes from solar and wind.<p>&quot;Severe&quot; would suggest blackouts or at least brownouts like California had in 2001.<p>&gt;The other problem is industrial consumers - an aluminium smelter requires a certain amount of power coming in 24&#x2F;7 or the ovens will freeze and if they do, restart is basically impossible.<p>If you must do something impossible, do it at least... twice :) ??<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.renewablesinternational.net&#x2F;german-aluminum-firm-rescues-grid-twice&#x2F;150&#x2F;407&#x2F;82143&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.renewablesinternational.net&#x2F;german-aluminum-firm-...</a><p>&quot;Over the past 12 months, German aluminum giant Trimet has ramped down production twice on request from German grid operators.&quot;<p>Yes, they didn&#x27;t shut it off entirely, but this demonstrates that smelters who can vary their electricity usage are actually part of the solution, not the problem.<p>(provided Germany didn&#x27;t overpay them to ramp down that is... which they may well have)