{"id":315086,"date":"2024-03-30T08:32:26","date_gmt":"2024-03-30T07:32:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=315086"},"modified":"2024-03-30T08:32:29","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T07:32:29","slug":"which-power-source-is-best","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=315086","title":{"rendered":"Which Power Source is Best"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"723\" height=\"489\" data-attachment-id=\"315090\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?attachment_id=315090\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?fit=1999%2C1351&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1999,1351\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"0energy-sources-in-the-us\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?fit=723%2C489&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?resize=723%2C489&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-315090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?resize=1024%2C692&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?resize=300%2C203&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?resize=768%2C519&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?resize=1536%2C1038&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?resize=1200%2C811&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?w=1999&amp;ssl=1 1999w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?w=1446&amp;ssl=1 1446w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From <a href=\"https:\/\/wattsupwiththat.com\/2024\/03\/28\/which-power-source-is-best\/\">Watts Up With That?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roger Caiazza<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/budsoffshoreenergy.com\/about-2\/\">Bud\u2019s Offshore Energy<\/a>&nbsp;blog&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/budsoffshoreenergy.com\/2024\/03\/26\/which-power-source-is-best-to-meet-the-growing-demand-for-affordable-reliable-and-clean-electricity\/\">highlighted<\/a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mackinac.org\/archives\/2024\/MCPP-NWU_Energy_Report_Card.pdf\">new national energy report card<\/a>&nbsp;that is of interest to readers here.&nbsp; According to the Mackinac Center&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mackinac.org\/pressroom\/2024\/grading-the-grid-natural-gas-and-nuclear-top-list-of-reliable-and-affordable-energy-sources?mibextid=xfxF2i\">press release<\/a>&nbsp;the report ranks energy sources by ranking eight key energy resource types \u201cbased on their ability to meet growing demand for affordable, reliable, and clean energy generation\u201d.&nbsp; The report concludes that \u201cnatural gas and nuclear power lead the rest of the class in generating clean and affordable energy\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mackinac.org\/about\/staff\/752\">Jason Hayes<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mcnair.northwood.edu\/scholars\/dr-timothy-nash\">Timothy G. Nash<\/a>&nbsp;co-authored this report from Northwood University\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mcnair.northwood.edu\/\">McNair Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and<\/a>&nbsp;Entrepreneurship and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mackinac.org\/\">Mackinac Center for Public Policy<\/a>.&nbsp; The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Methodology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report summarizes the scoring methodology:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bottom Line Up Front: Each ranking area graded the energy resource on a scale of 1 to 10. If an energy source performed poorly, it received a 1, if it performed well, it received a 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scores in each section were totaled and broken down from 1 to 50. The energy source was given a final letter grade of A to F based on its score out of 50. The grading system results in a comparative ranking that describes the energy resource as excellent (90-100 \/A-range), very good (80-89\/B-range), average (70-79\/C-range), poor (60-69\/D-range), and Failure (59 or below\/F).&nbsp; This methodology is roughly based on the American Society of Civil Engineers\u2019 methodology described in the annual \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/infrastructurereportcard.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/2021-IRC-Executive-Summary.pdf\">A Comprehensive Assessment of American\u2019s Infrastructure: 2021 Report Card for America\u2019s Infrastructure<\/a>\u201d document.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The score card evaluated each energy source for five ranking areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Capacity and Reliability: We estimated the capability of this energy source to produce sufficient energy to meet demand. We also considered how plans to maintain existing (or build new) infrastructure and capacity will meet growing energy demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental\/Human Impact: We asked what are the environmental impacts, the human rights, or other labor issues associated with using this energy source.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost: We asked how the energy source competes with other energy sources in terms of pricing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technology and Innovation: We asked what technologies are used and what new technologies are being developed for this energy source.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Market feasibility: We considered whether the energy source relies on free-market forces to supply energy to the public. To what extent do subsidies and\/or government mandates drive its adoption and use?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report includes recommendations for policies that could be implemented to improve this sector\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Energy Sector Rankings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report card, ranked by the final grades, puts natural gas and nuclear at the top of the class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"326\" data-attachment-id=\"315087\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?attachment_id=315087\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-447.png?fit=720%2C326&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"720,326\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"image-447\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-447.png?fit=720%2C326&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-447.png?resize=720%2C326&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-315087\" style=\"width:760px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-447.png?w=720&amp;ssl=1 720w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-447.png?resize=300%2C136&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Executive Summary of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mackinac.org\/archives\/2024\/MCPP-NWU_Energy_Report_Card.pdf\">report<\/a>&nbsp;includes a summary for each energy sector that describes the ranking rationale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Natural gas tops the energy sectors because it not only provides electric energy but also provides the ancillary support services necessary for the transmission system at a relatively low cost.&nbsp; Aside from the irrational obsession with over hyped greenhouse gas effects it also has a low, albeit not zero pollution impacts.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;I agree with the concern that reliability would be improved with on-site storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natural gas<\/strong>: 94 % (A)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Natural gas is at a unique position in our energy supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nation has experienced rapid growth in energy demand for a range of activities: electricity generation, home heating, transportation, manufacturing, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As governments around the nation attempt to impose a transition from traditional energy resources to energy sources often referred to as renewables, natural gas is the energy source that is best suited to integrate with the intermittency inherent in the use of wind and solar. Gas provides a reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean source of energy in both traditional and \u201ccarbon-constrained\u201d applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gas faces headwinds in the form of increasingly extreme net zero energy policies that will constrict supplies if implemented as proposed. Gas could also improve overall reliability if onsite storage was prioritized to help avoid supply disruptions that can occur in just-in-time pipeline deliveries during periods of extreme weather and demand.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second highest energy sector was nuclear.&nbsp; The report card recognizes its zero emissions, that it provides electric energy and ancillary support services necessary for the transmission system, and that it is mature technology with the potential for extensive deployment.&nbsp; Were it not for high development costs and market feasibility issues it would undoubtedly be the highest rated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nuclear<\/strong>: 88% (B+)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nuclear energy represents a best-of-all-worlds energy resource for the United States. Given its history as the nation\u2019s safest and most reliable electricity source and its ability to produce near endless amounts of completely reliable and emission-free electricity, nuclear is an obvious choice, especially given the nation\u2019s current hyper-focus on net zero carbon dioxide emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nuclear\u2019s primary challenges lie in two areas: initial costs and concerns over safety related to fuel storage or the potential release of radioactive materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, while initial costs to build can be high, they can be amortized over a 60- to 100-year expected life cycle. Additionally, costs can be addressed by reigning in the overactive nature of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Second, the industry\u2019s record demonstrates it is the nation\u2019s safest source of electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps no better example of this technology\u2019s safety, reliability, and usefulness exists than the nation\u2019s fleet of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, and cruisers. Building on Admiral Rickover\u2019s innovations, the U.S. Navy has reliably and safely powered a significant portion of its fleet with nuclear power for decades. As we have done in many other areas, it is possible to use the knowledge gained in this area in the civilian nuclear fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given the safety and reliability of both our military and civilian nuclear, concerns over meltdowns or having the fuel used to build nuclear weapons are more in the realm of science fiction than reality. The United States was once the world leader in developing safe, reliable nuclear technologies. We should focus on rebuilding that status.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coal and hydroelectric are ranked next with the same with a total of 40 points.&nbsp; I think that ranking by electric system characteristics and not weighing environmental impacts is the reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coal is a mature technology that provides electric energy and ancillary support services necessary for the transmission system and has the potential for extensive deployment.&nbsp; I would have ranked the capacity reliability a point higher because coal can be stored on-site and that I think is an important characteristic too often overlooked.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coal<\/strong>: 80% (B-)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite its low cost, abundant domestic supply, and reliability, Western nations\u2014USA, Canada, UK, and across Europe\u2014have targeted coal for closure largely due to climate change concerns. While most pollution concerns associated with coal use can be addressed with widely available emissions reduction technologies, coal does emit more pollutants and CO2 than natural gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Due to growing regulatory pressure and effective competition from low-priced, domestic natural gas, coal use is declining in North America, as well as Europe. However,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/grapher\/coal-consumption-by-region\">coal use worldwide<\/a>\u2014 especially China and India\u2014continues to grow rapidly. Across Asia, coal use is growing so rapidly that attempts to cease its use in the West as a climate change mitigation measure are being wholly eclipsed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The primary challenges faced by the coal industry are 1) a long-term campaign on the part of government and green special interests to stop its use, and 2) very effective competition from low-cost fracked natural gas, which is displacing coal as a primary baseload generation option.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The grading for conventional hydroelectric recognized this is another mature technology that provides electric energy and ancillary support services necessary for the transmission system.&nbsp; Unfortunately, there is little potential for further deployment and the current plans to destroy hydro dams are inconsistent with the supposed need to fight the \u201cexistential threat\u201d of climate change.&nbsp; In my opinion that is almost as stupid as shutting down nuclear plants prematurely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conventional hydroelectric:<\/strong>&nbsp;80% (B-)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroelectric is the one form of renewable generation that is completely dispatchable and has no emissions associated with its operations (compared with biomass).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While hydroelectric would seem to meet most of the tests of the environmental movement, it is often targeted for removal because it requires a great deal of bulk material in its construction and interrupts or changes natural river flows and floods riparian zones (displacing wildlife and human inhabitants). Given the expansive nature of large hydroelectric facilities, it is unlikely that any new developments could be permitted in North America.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In my opinion petroleum fuels were a bit under-rated.&nbsp; This is another mature technology that provides electric energy and ancillary support services necessary for the transmission system.&nbsp; Admittedly it is important in limited areas but provides critical support in those markets.&nbsp; However, I agree the potential for any further development is very low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Petroleum fuels<\/strong>: 70% (C-)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Petroleum products play a very small role in the production of U.S. electricity. They are almost a rounding error and are used primarily in older or geographically limited areas (like the Hawaiian Islands or Northeastern markets because of historical use).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I probably would have rated geothermal closer to petroleum fuels.&nbsp; As noted, it suffers from the same lack of potential development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Geothermal<\/strong>: 66% (D+)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Geothermal plays a limited role in the production of U.S. electricity. Much like petroleum products, geothermal is almost a rounding error and is used primarily in geographically limited areas (like the Western states and the Hawaiian Islands)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wind and solar receive failing grades.&nbsp; Both are rated lowest for similar reasons.&nbsp; When they are compared to the capability of the other energy sources to provide sufficient energy to meet demand the need for energy storage and supporting ancillary services, they are appropriately ranked lowest. &nbsp;&nbsp;Even though they are zero-emissions resources there are \u201cnumerous other grid reliability, environmental, economic (or cost), and social issues associated with its use that are often overlooked\u201d.&nbsp; When human rights impacts are included, they should be rated lower than the other sources.&nbsp; Wind and solar are only relatively cheaper if the costs to provide reliable energy and transmission system ancillary services are ignored.&nbsp; I think this ranking correctly scores this category.&nbsp; The technology\/innovation category recognized that there are limited opportunities to improve the energy output.&nbsp; The market feasibility scoring considered \u201cwhether the energy source relies on free-market forces to supply energy to the public.\u201d&nbsp; &nbsp;I do not believe that wind and solar could survive without massive subsidies so believe this scoring is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Wind:<\/strong>&nbsp;56% (F)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wind is one of two so-called renewable energy generation sources widely promoted for its claimed ability to reduce the environmental impacts of electricity generation. Wind is marketed as being able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, protect the environment, reduce electric rates, and improve grid reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While it is true that wind does not produce carbon dioxide as it produces electricity, there are numerous other grid reliability, environmental, economic (or cost), and social issues associated with its use that are often overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given that society increasingly relies on a steady and reliable supply of affordable energy, government policies that mandate and heavily subsidize a transition to wind generation represent a growing threat to human health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Solar<\/strong>: 58% (F)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Solar is the second of two so-called renewable energy generation sources (wind is the first) widely promoted for its claimed ability to reduce the environmental impacts of electricity generation. Like wind, solar is marketed as being able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, protect the environment, reduce electric rates, and improve grid reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like wind, solar does not produce carbon dioxide as it produces electricity. However, there are numerous other grid reliability, environmental, economic, social, and human rights issues associated with its use that are often overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given that society increasingly relies on a steady and reliable supply of affordable energy, government policies that mandate and heavily subsidize a transition to solar generation also represent a growing threat to human health and well-being.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This summary of the report is only an overview.&nbsp; The report is comprehensive with 107 pages of text.&nbsp; There is extensive documentation with 297 references.&nbsp; As a result, the rationale for the scoring is extensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conclusion of the report states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Demands for a hurried transition from conventional, reliable energy sources to unreliable and expensive renewable alternatives are threatening the reliability of the North American electric grid. Pushing for increased efficiency and improved environmental performance is a laudable (and achievable) goal. However, we cannot allow misplaced environmental zeal to obscure electricity\u2019s pivotal role in promoting human health and well-being and powering our society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advocates for wind and solar hold them up as essential to environmental and climate health. However, rushing a systemwide transition to these untested and unreliable energy options puts human lives and the North American economy at risk. Their inherent intermittency will strain the ability of the grid to meet growing energy demands and the ability of ratepayers to cover the high costs they impose on the grid. In contrast, the reliability and affordability of fossil and nuclear fuels cannot be ignored. Admonitions from grid managers warning about the dangers of rushing to close reliable sources of electricity generation only serve to highlight the risks associated with the premature rush to transition to wind and solar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This research demonstrates the high environmental and economic costs of hurrying the grid transition. While fossil and nuclear fuels do have environmental costs, we also have the technological capacity to address those costs as we continue to trust their unparalleled reliability for essential energy services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wind and solar energy have been marketed as a means of having our energy and environmental cake and eating it, too. We are told they are clean, cheap, and reliable. However, a closer look at their real costs, growing environmental impacts, and questionable human rights records leads to serious questions about their ability to serve as a realistic energy option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transitioning a service as important as the nation\u2019s electric grid cannot be rushed. It requires a far more careful and pragmatic approach than we see from elected officials and utilities nationwide. The rushed transition is neither reasonable nor prudent and must be reconsidered.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roger Caiazza blogs on New York energy and environmental issues at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pragmaticenvironmentalistofnewyork.blog\/\">Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York<\/a>.\u00a0 More details on the Climate Leadership &amp; Community Protection Act are available\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/reformingtheenergyvisioninconvenienttruths.com\/annotated-citizens-guide-to-the-climate-act-page\/\">here<\/a>\u00a0and an inventory of over 400 articles about the Climate Act is also available.\u00a0 \u00a0This represents his opinion and not the opinion of any of his previous employers or any other company with which he has been associated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bud\u2019s Offshore Energy\u00a0blog\u00a0highlighted\u00a0a\u00a0new national energy report card\u00a0that is of interest to readers here.\u00a0 According to the Mackinac Center\u00a0press release\u00a0the report ranks energy sources by ranking eight key energy resource types \u201cbased on their ability to meet growing demand for affordable, reliable, and clean energy generation\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":121246920,"featured_media":315090,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_crdt_document":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[691827936,691827938,691818128,691827937,691827939],"class_list":{"0":"post-315086","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-uncategorized","8":"tag-capacity-and-reliability","9":"tag-cost","10":"tag-energy","11":"tag-environmental-human-impact","12":"tag-market-feasibility","14":"fallback-thumbnail"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/0energy-sources-in-the-us.jpg?fit=1999%2C1351&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paxLW1-1jY2","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":345096,"url":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=345096","url_meta":{"origin":315086,"position":0},"title":"Rounding Error: World\u2019s Mega-Battery Power Contribution Measured in\u00a0Minutes","author":"uwe.roland.gross","date":"10\/03\/2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Cornered with wind and solar\u2019s hopeless intermittency, the cult cries \u201cstorage\u201d, as some kind of crushing hex against the energy realists ready to tackle their delusional thinking. The ideologue never lets the facts get in the way of radical, self-destructive policies, especially when it comes to energy.","rel":"","context":"In \"cost-benefit analysis\"","block_context":{"text":"cost-benefit analysis","link":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?tag=cost-benefit-analysis"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/0Renewable-Energy-Micro-Grid-Landing-Image-2-e1629853933871.webp?fit=1200%2C670&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/0Renewable-Energy-Micro-Grid-Landing-Image-2-e1629853933871.webp?fit=1200%2C670&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/0Renewable-Energy-Micro-Grid-Landing-Image-2-e1629853933871.webp?fit=1200%2C670&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/0Renewable-Energy-Micro-Grid-Landing-Image-2-e1629853933871.webp?fit=1200%2C670&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/0Renewable-Energy-Micro-Grid-Landing-Image-2-e1629853933871.webp?fit=1200%2C670&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":340330,"url":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=340330","url_meta":{"origin":315086,"position":1},"title":"American natural gas is America\u2019s clean energy standard","author":"uwe.roland.gross","date":"08\/22\/2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Abundant and affordable energy drives America\u2019s powerful and productive economy. That\u2019s been true throughout our nation\u2019s history, and America\u2019s recent achievement of energy independence provides the most concrete illustration of that fact.","rel":"","context":"In \"energy supplies\"","block_context":{"text":"energy supplies","link":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?tag=energy-supplies"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/0c6389726f66534092b87faba08cc3c3d.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/0c6389726f66534092b87faba08cc3c3d.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/0c6389726f66534092b87faba08cc3c3d.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/0c6389726f66534092b87faba08cc3c3d.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/0c6389726f66534092b87faba08cc3c3d.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":423190,"url":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=423190","url_meta":{"origin":315086,"position":2},"title":"Red States Have Reliable Power Because They Embrace an All-of-the-Above Strategy","author":"uwe.roland.gross","date":"01\/25\/2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Sometimes the debate over U.S. energy policy feels more like a shouting match, instead of a factual discussion about how to meet the nation\u2019s rapidly growing needs. In one corner, there\u2019s the push for 100% renewables. In the other corner, it\u2019s almost all about oil and gas.","rel":"","context":"In \"battery storage\"","block_context":{"text":"battery storage","link":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?tag=battery-storage"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AQO4TZmsgI1z90z8hBqDS1dd1ogqC-sPO2PSZ2U6q7tKSJ-h9k9wKZ_lMO92EbOhRaro88ciBqlId5kPvSXywRLKiLvkWmb4PClhTJZIj85wfmG6s3mqOA1fr-3csfNH-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AQO4TZmsgI1z90z8hBqDS1dd1ogqC-sPO2PSZ2U6q7tKSJ-h9k9wKZ_lMO92EbOhRaro88ciBqlId5kPvSXywRLKiLvkWmb4PClhTJZIj85wfmG6s3mqOA1fr-3csfNH-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AQO4TZmsgI1z90z8hBqDS1dd1ogqC-sPO2PSZ2U6q7tKSJ-h9k9wKZ_lMO92EbOhRaro88ciBqlId5kPvSXywRLKiLvkWmb4PClhTJZIj85wfmG6s3mqOA1fr-3csfNH-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AQO4TZmsgI1z90z8hBqDS1dd1ogqC-sPO2PSZ2U6q7tKSJ-h9k9wKZ_lMO92EbOhRaro88ciBqlId5kPvSXywRLKiLvkWmb4PClhTJZIj85wfmG6s3mqOA1fr-3csfNH-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AQO4TZmsgI1z90z8hBqDS1dd1ogqC-sPO2PSZ2U6q7tKSJ-h9k9wKZ_lMO92EbOhRaro88ciBqlId5kPvSXywRLKiLvkWmb4PClhTJZIj85wfmG6s3mqOA1fr-3csfNH-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":400340,"url":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=400340","url_meta":{"origin":315086,"position":3},"title":"Save LBI Unveils Multipoint Plan to Secure Reliable and Affordable Electricity","author":"uwe.roland.gross","date":"09\/05\/2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Save Long Beach Island, Inc. (Save LBI),\u00a0a grass-roots organization with more than 10,000 supporters dedicated to sound energy policies and preserving our shore and ocean environment, today urged the New Jersey Legislature to put politics aside and enact meaningful laws that address the mounting energy crisis and reconsider the role\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"affordable energy\"","block_context":{"text":"affordable energy","link":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?tag=affordable-energy"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0AQMB6_nClR6T_egyPy4uZs4KS7WLx8HbWU9nJxKuEb6adQ6LPZpy_-HtQM7Kbqbs3Oa1aZ4XaOoMJayGZODncU9BTLoglE2mYYUpMYQFUHl5i5-6qPPp4L8uVJL-PjruTm7xjrQv_D7AoH9k3m6xgHUjZngXCw-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0AQMB6_nClR6T_egyPy4uZs4KS7WLx8HbWU9nJxKuEb6adQ6LPZpy_-HtQM7Kbqbs3Oa1aZ4XaOoMJayGZODncU9BTLoglE2mYYUpMYQFUHl5i5-6qPPp4L8uVJL-PjruTm7xjrQv_D7AoH9k3m6xgHUjZngXCw-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0AQMB6_nClR6T_egyPy4uZs4KS7WLx8HbWU9nJxKuEb6adQ6LPZpy_-HtQM7Kbqbs3Oa1aZ4XaOoMJayGZODncU9BTLoglE2mYYUpMYQFUHl5i5-6qPPp4L8uVJL-PjruTm7xjrQv_D7AoH9k3m6xgHUjZngXCw-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0AQMB6_nClR6T_egyPy4uZs4KS7WLx8HbWU9nJxKuEb6adQ6LPZpy_-HtQM7Kbqbs3Oa1aZ4XaOoMJayGZODncU9BTLoglE2mYYUpMYQFUHl5i5-6qPPp4L8uVJL-PjruTm7xjrQv_D7AoH9k3m6xgHUjZngXCw-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0AQMB6_nClR6T_egyPy4uZs4KS7WLx8HbWU9nJxKuEb6adQ6LPZpy_-HtQM7Kbqbs3Oa1aZ4XaOoMJayGZODncU9BTLoglE2mYYUpMYQFUHl5i5-6qPPp4L8uVJL-PjruTm7xjrQv_D7AoH9k3m6xgHUjZngXCw-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":428094,"url":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=428094","url_meta":{"origin":315086,"position":4},"title":"South Fork Wind Malinformation","author":"uwe.roland.gross","date":"02\/26\/2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Christopher Walsh\u2019s latest article in the Easthampton Star,\u00a0South Fork Wind\u2019s Electricity Generation Proves Reliable\u00a0repeats claims from the developer that the facility provides reliable energy.\u00a0 An\u00a0infographic\u00a0prepared for the U.S. Department of War\u2019s Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency, defines malinformation as \u00a0sabotage because it is based on fact but is used out of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"\u00d8rsted\u2019s South Fork Wind\"","block_context":{"text":"\u00d8rsted\u2019s South Fork Wind","link":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?tag=orsteds-south-fork-wind"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AQNjPMYQDRDCTYGHJUDP63CXSaueXNsqig9GY_vBzOMtRcVCt7PSwfGZnYC0sr0owpFiEbNq07MQoWiD3h5IgEvM5wdDQH6t8w2mfPsbKk9Wqs7DTSCToymGLVKme_P2.jpeg?fit=1200%2C658&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AQNjPMYQDRDCTYGHJUDP63CXSaueXNsqig9GY_vBzOMtRcVCt7PSwfGZnYC0sr0owpFiEbNq07MQoWiD3h5IgEvM5wdDQH6t8w2mfPsbKk9Wqs7DTSCToymGLVKme_P2.jpeg?fit=1200%2C658&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AQNjPMYQDRDCTYGHJUDP63CXSaueXNsqig9GY_vBzOMtRcVCt7PSwfGZnYC0sr0owpFiEbNq07MQoWiD3h5IgEvM5wdDQH6t8w2mfPsbKk9Wqs7DTSCToymGLVKme_P2.jpeg?fit=1200%2C658&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AQNjPMYQDRDCTYGHJUDP63CXSaueXNsqig9GY_vBzOMtRcVCt7PSwfGZnYC0sr0owpFiEbNq07MQoWiD3h5IgEvM5wdDQH6t8w2mfPsbKk9Wqs7DTSCToymGLVKme_P2.jpeg?fit=1200%2C658&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AQNjPMYQDRDCTYGHJUDP63CXSaueXNsqig9GY_vBzOMtRcVCt7PSwfGZnYC0sr0owpFiEbNq07MQoWiD3h5IgEvM5wdDQH6t8w2mfPsbKk9Wqs7DTSCToymGLVKme_P2.jpeg?fit=1200%2C658&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":420177,"url":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=420177","url_meta":{"origin":315086,"position":5},"title":"Offshore wind turbines steal each other\u2019s wind: yields greatly overestimated","author":"uwe.roland.gross","date":"01\/06\/2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Yes, the phenomenon described\u2014often called the wake effect\u2014is a well-established issue in offshore wind energy. Wind turbines extract kinetic energy from the wind, creating downstream regions of reduced wind speed and increased turbulence (known as wakes). In densely packed wind farms or clusters of farms, downstream turbines effectively \"steal\" wind\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"European Green Deal\"","block_context":{"text":"European Green Deal","link":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?tag=european-green-deal"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0AQMKLRA2WipL4N_qXSg-x_ZDLRBY6iC_0q85Vn-ZdzxkXlgZxMnxFBE82tjossU1gplNv5sGHo9UFZOS1DCULtSvmwk-5TvcduyhEpVRb_zQ0Sbm0wo1ydy1ekOI6b1Y-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0AQMKLRA2WipL4N_qXSg-x_ZDLRBY6iC_0q85Vn-ZdzxkXlgZxMnxFBE82tjossU1gplNv5sGHo9UFZOS1DCULtSvmwk-5TvcduyhEpVRb_zQ0Sbm0wo1ydy1ekOI6b1Y-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0AQMKLRA2WipL4N_qXSg-x_ZDLRBY6iC_0q85Vn-ZdzxkXlgZxMnxFBE82tjossU1gplNv5sGHo9UFZOS1DCULtSvmwk-5TvcduyhEpVRb_zQ0Sbm0wo1ydy1ekOI6b1Y-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0AQMKLRA2WipL4N_qXSg-x_ZDLRBY6iC_0q85Vn-ZdzxkXlgZxMnxFBE82tjossU1gplNv5sGHo9UFZOS1DCULtSvmwk-5TvcduyhEpVRb_zQ0Sbm0wo1ydy1ekOI6b1Y-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/climatescience.press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0AQMKLRA2WipL4N_qXSg-x_ZDLRBY6iC_0q85Vn-ZdzxkXlgZxMnxFBE82tjossU1gplNv5sGHo9UFZOS1DCULtSvmwk-5TvcduyhEpVRb_zQ0Sbm0wo1ydy1ekOI6b1Y-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C576&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/315086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/121246920"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=315086"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/315086\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":315091,"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/315086\/revisions\/315091"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/315090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=315086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=315086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=315086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}