Unraveling the Narrative Supporting a Green Energy Transition

 This article aims to critically analyze and refute various claims surrounding the green energy transition, especially related to the electric grid. The discussion highlights the flaws in widely accepted beliefs about renewable energy, exploring the narrative’s consequences on policy making and public perception.

1. The Green Energy Narrative:

The narrative promotes renewable energy as a viable solution for global energy demands, claiming it is reliable, economical, and environmentally friendly. Common points include:

• Renewable energy can satisfy electric demand.

• It is economically viable and reduces costs over time.

• Clean energy sources do not emit carbon and are sustainable.

However, these claims often lack grounding in economic and physical realities.

2. Misinterpretation and Acceptance:

Many of these statements have gained traction despite poor real-world outcomes. The narrative has been supported by misconceptions, distracting language, and social psychological factors such as fear and groupthink. This acceptance often ignores negative data and the robustness of the current electric grid.

3. Challenges of Renewable Energy:

• Demand Satisfaction: The assertion that renewable energy can meet demand does not account for the challenges of reliability and sufficient energy harnessing from sources like wind and solar.

• Economic Viability: Although the marginal cost of renewable production may be low, the total costsincluding backup systemsare high. Increased reliance on renewables tends to drive up consumer costs.

• Reliability Concerns: Only hydro, biomass, and geothermal can provide reliable energy. Solar and wind are subject to variability and do not consistently match demand.

4. Resource Availability:

Claims that renewable resources are inexhaustible are misleading. Various renewable sources require significant materials for infrastructure, and some, like geothermal, are geographically limited.

5. Environmental Impact:

While often labeled as “clean,” renewable energy resources can still produce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm during their lifecycle, including construction and disposal.

6. Cost Dynamics:

While some costs for renewable technologies are falling, total system costsincluding land and laborare increasing. Incremental developments in renewable capacity raise overall expenses, especially with integration challenges.

7. Technology Challenges:

The integration of batteries and improved inverter technology does not resolve the fundamental issues of reliability inherent to asynchronous power generation from renewables.

8. The Tipping Point Concept:

The notion that we are at a tipping point for renewable adoption lacks clarity and substantial evidence. Real-world applications indicate significant challenges remain.

9. Historical Context and Future Outlook:

The urgency claimed by advocates for renewable energy must be balanced against pragmatic approaches, including considering nuclear energy as a viable option.

10. Dependence on Foreign Resources:

The narrative overlooks reliance on foreign materials and components necessary for renewable energy systems, raising questions about energy independence.

11. Health and Economic Implications:

The anticipated health benefits from replacing fossil fuels may be less clear-cut and entwined with economic factors.

The prevailing green energy narrative contains significant oversights regarding the feasibility of a rapid transition to renewables. While the push for cleaner energy is noble, advocating for technologies that are not ready to support a sustainable future can distort energy policy and resource allocation. The conversation should reevaluate the balance between urgency for climate action and realistic energy solutions.

https://judithcurry.com/2025/02/19/unraveling-the-narrative-supporting-a-green-energy-transition/