04/24/2020
Interesting video from Michael Moore. I cannot honestly say that I have been a big fan of his, since at times he has presented information as factual that I believe is more accurately described as commentary or opinionated.
However, there are several items he get correct in this video, the key namely that renewable utility-scale wind and solar plants are more accurately described as 'virtual' hybrid gas-wind/solar plants because they cannot be integrated into the grid without a source of flexible power generation, which is primarily comprised of natural gas plants. If these virtual hybrid plants end-up replacing coal plants, there will likely be a reduction in carbon emissions because gas produces ~2/3's that of coal per btu. However, one cannot claim that these renewable technologies are carbon-free technologies, or that the grid can become carbon-free.
Also, based on the amount of fossil fuel, and corresponding carbon emissions, projected to be consumed by developing countries, which dwarfs the TOTAL amount carbon emissions in developed countries, the real challenge is not "How do we reduce carbon emissions in developed countries?".
The critical questions is "How do we ensure that developing countries utilize holistically carbon-free generation to meet their projected energy demands?" Based on the amount of energy involved, limited resources required to manufacture the necessary solar and required energy storage systems, and the real estate requirements for utility scale wind and solar systems, I believe the answer lies with new nuclear technologies. They are safer than the current fleet of nuclear reactors (which are already the safest form of power generation technologies), tracking for near term deployment (between 5 - 10 years), technically feasible and economically viable.
Bottom line - there is not a climate change or energy crisis. We have a solution for decarbonizing the power sector, which will subsequently enable a significant reduction in the transportation section and, because of the heat generated, can also provide a technically feasible and economically viable solution for decarbonizing a significant porting of the industrial sector.
Frankly, it appears that the biggest problem is that it reduces the amount of doomsday scenarios certain people to like to talk about for purposes other than solving problems.
A science presenter, writer, speaker & former TV host; author of The Skeptic's Handbook (over 200,000 copies distributed & available in 15 languages).
