Methods of electricity generation

Further, real-world large-scale facilities confirm that the weather-dependent intermittents are expensive. Germany (and Denmark) have the highest % of intermittents in their grids and the highest electricity costs in the EU. When there are no sunbeams nor breezes in Germany, they buy electricity from nuclear France. This simple observation shows that all-renewables grids are unreliable and more costly than nuclear fission.

An all-renewable grid is not fit for purpose, being unreliable and costly, perhaps ruinously so. However, it can be incorporated into a grid where there is dispatchable generation.

The Clean Green Energy Illusion

On appearances it would seem that the green energy transition is in full swing. Lots of solar panels and wind turbines everywhere. However, it is an illusion or even a delusion. Atmospheric CO2 is still increasing at an ever-increasing rate (Mauna Loa, Hawaii) and fossil fuel consumption is at record highs (Energy Institute). It cannot be said that 'there is a green energy transition' even after trillions of dollars spent and lots of solar panels and wind turbines have been installed over the last decade and more. Atmospheric CO2 is increasing at a higher rate than ever.

An inconvenient truth to the green energy believers is that there is no green energy transition happening, so they ignore that it is not happening. The world's increasing demand for energy is being satisfied more by coal than by solar panels and wind turbines.

Conclusions

There is no green energy transition. The myth that green energy is inevitable and will make electricity cheap for everyone is a delusion of the rich urban elites and politicians. The world is still reliant on fossil fuels, and well into the future.

There is no immaculate answer to our energy needs. An all-renewable grid is a fantasy. Nuclear fission is stuck with the problem of permanent disposal.

The current available interim choices if coal is eliminated, are either gas or nuclear for dispatchable power and with some weather-dependent intermittents as an add-on.

Well-directed and well-funded R&D is the way forward, especially in regard to nuclear fusion.