Introduction

The world is rapidly shifting towards renewable energy sources as part of the global effort to reduce carbon footprints and mitigate climate change. However, the transition has not been without controversy. Critics argue that traditional wind and solar energy sources are inefficient and unreliable, failing to compete with fossil fuels in terms of both cost and reliability. This article delves into the recent trends and challenges in renewable sustainable energy, offering a comprehensive understanding of the current debates and obstacles.

Intermittency and Inefficiency: Debunking Fossil Fuel Alternatives

Mark Leskover's assertion that wind and solar energy are not fit for purpose is echoed by numerous studies and empirical analyses. The intermittency and lack of storage capacity associated with these renewable sources have been highlighted as significant drawbacks. Critics point out that claims of these technologies becoming cheaper over time often ignore the unreliability and consequent need for backup power sources, such as fossil fuels.

According to an empirical analysis using data from 2005-2015 in 15 EU countries, the deployment of renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, has led to an increase in energy costs, higher risks of household poverty, and a decline in incomes. This study underscores the hidden costs and unintended consequences of shifting towards renewable energy.

Image Source: Pereira et al. 2019

Countering the Green Attack on Carbon Dioxide

While the environmental benefits of reducing carbon dioxide emissions are undisputed, the argument against using carbon dioxide as a limiting factor in energy policy is persuasive. Dr. Tadesse Weldu Teklu emphasizes that CO2 emissions are closely linked to economic prosperity and industrialization. Hence, least developed countries (LDCs) that are mandated to adopt renewable energy should be allowed to increase their CO2 emissions to achieve economic progress and escape the "poverty trap."

Dr. Teklu's stance is noteworthy because it challenges the dominant narrative that LDCs must embrace renewable energy to achieve sustainability. Instead, he argues for a more pragmatic approach that recognizes the importance of fossil fuels in supporting economic growth.

Future Projections and the Paris Agreement

The future projections for fossil fuel consumption are alarming. Despite the symbolic gestures made under the Paris Agreement, fossil fuels are expected to maintain a dominant role in energy production. The agreement, while lauded for its symbolic significance, has limited practical impact on reducing carbon emissions. In fact, it is likely that fossil fuel consumption will continue to grow and account for a similar share of energy production (~80%) by 2040.

The green attack on carbon dioxide, driven by environmentalists and certain policy makers, is misplaced and potentially harmful. By pushing unreliable wind and solar energy without adequate storage, the focus on CO2 as a greenhouse gas is undermining efforts towards reliable and cost-effective energy solutions.

Alberta Energy has published detailed daily reports documenting the failures of wind and solar energy. In Southern Alberta, where wind is supposedly abundant, the results have been disappointing. Despite the presence of turbines, the contribution of wind energy to the electricity grid is minimal, while the reliance on fossil fuels remains high. These reports highlight the challenges and limitations of renewable energy in practice.

For instance, at the moment, 83.5% of Alberta's electricity is generated by fossil fuels, with wind contributing only 49.1% of its capacity but producing only 11.2% of total generation. Meanwhile, solar capacity stands at 21.4%, but its contribution is a mere 0.72%. Furthermore, the region is importing 543 MW, or 5.2%, of electricity, indicating a dependency on external energy sources. Most crucially, both wind and solar energy lack any significant storage capacity, which further complicates their integration into the grid.