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How long would power last if everyone disappeared?

S

SpongeHead

Jan 1, 1970
0
I am writing a short story and I need to know how long electricity
would be produced if all humans vanished. I know that it will vary
from grid to grid since there are a few ways to produce power. Would
dams overflow and cause major destruction? Or would the plants just
shut down having some sort of emergency switch?
 
D

Don Kelly

Jan 1, 1970
0
SpongeHead said:
I am writing a short story and I need to know how long electricity
would be produced if all humans vanished. I know that it will vary
from grid to grid since there are a few ways to produce power. Would
dams overflow and cause major destruction? Or would the plants just
shut down having some sort of emergency switch?
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There is no one answer. It could be minutes, days, months depending on a
multitude of factors such as weather, part failures, etc. I can visualise
an isolated, unloaded hydro unit running for several months then failing
because a mouse liked control wiring insulation for nest building material.

In addition, if all humans vanished, who would know?
Build your scenario - it is the author's job to suspend disbelief.
 
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