Gas is a precondition for renewables. Without gas there's no reliable energy source, that can be turned on and off at will. That is renewables without gas can not keep the lights on, when the sun's out and there's no wind. (Oil, Coal and Nuclear takes longer to turn on and off, and so will not be able to respond to the sudden changes in electricity production, brought on by renewables.)
It's very likely that Russia has been supporting green parties across Europe for three major actions:
Why can't nuclear not be turned on and off at will? I understand you can't just fire up and down a reactor, but you can control the steam flow to the generator, and let that redirect directly to the cooling tower at will?
The problem for Europe right now is that wind turbines and solar panels don't product natural gas. In Germany for instance, only 25% of gas usage is accounted for by electricity production.
Germany built out their electrical grid with twice the Solar capacity it needs to power the country. Problem is it achieves that kind of sun a few days a year. Germany is not California. Sorry. Not smart. It's a disastrous policy that will kill people.
zosima|3 years ago
It's very likely that Russia has been supporting green parties across Europe for three major actions:
1. Protesting shale and fracking: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jun/19/russia-s... 2. Scaling up sun and wind power. 3. Shutting down nuclear power plants
I can't find sources for number 2. and 3 now. But do remember having seen support from Russia and Gazprom for parties promoting these actions.
sebazzz|3 years ago
The real problem appears to be buffer capacity.
missedthecue|3 years ago
almost_usual|3 years ago
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/germany-announces-new-...
whoooooo123|3 years ago
forgotusername6|3 years ago
jl6|3 years ago
pjc50|3 years ago
If you want to go nuclear: OK, sure, so what do we use for power in the decade before the first plant comes online?
throwtheacctawy|3 years ago
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dukeofdoom|3 years ago