Solar Energy 'Cheapest Electricity in History'

Monday, January 25, 2021

Despite a more rapid rise for renewables and a "structural" decline for coal, the IEA says it is too soon to declare a peak in global oil use, unless there is stronger climate action. Similarly, it says demand for gas could rise 30% by 2040, unless the policy response to global warming steps up. This means that, while global CO2 emissions have effectively peaked, they are "far from the immediate peak and decline" needed to stabilise the climate. The IEA says achieving net-zero emissions will require "unprecedented" efforts from every part of the global economy, not just the power sector.

Posted by snoofy at 11:30 AM | 17 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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Great article. I think the peak oil bit may be off when you look at what all the major oil companies are doing - devaluing their reserves. They have been doing it for years now.

You also have companies moving into alternative energy sources and electric power. Chevron for just one instance makes EGO products.

#1 | Posted by GalaxiePete at 2021-01-25 11:32 AM | Reply

Power generation doesn't mean power consumption. Solar is still very inefficient since it isn't a 24/7 generator. Once solar is in a follow-the-sun generation model where when it's night here we are still getting solar power sent to us, then it would be considered. As it stands, batteries are still the anchor holding down solar power since they cost more to make, maintain, and dispose of. Looking forward to solar being better but it still isn't quite there yet to replace conventional energy.

#2 | Posted by humtake at 2021-01-25 11:52 AM | Reply

What a ridiculous bench lol. Plenty of models available with the panels overhead at angles that optimize efficiency, provide shade, and more seating space for the same sq ft.

#3 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2021-01-25 12:04 PM | Reply

#2 PV Solar is daytime only, but combined with hydro can deliver all day power cheaply. Thermal Solar works all day.

Oil is great for lubrication and plastics, but burning it is a waste.

#4 | Posted by bored at 2021-01-25 12:15 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 4

We had solar panels installed on our roof about a year ago. Every power company bill since has been nine dollars. There are some service charges unrelated to energy consumption.

#5 | Posted by SomebodyElse at 2021-01-25 01:05 PM | Reply

Here in Okiehomie, it's a death match between the fossil fuel interests and those looking to to future of energy. The state already gets upward of 40% of its electricity from wind and a little solar. The oil and gas folks are scared --------. State leaders should argue less for cheaper natural gas then they should for giving free electric service to companies which will move to the state. Put solar arrays on the roofs of buildings, put up more wind turbines and dedicate that power to companies coming in. Oh, and install those truck-sized battery packs for the few minutes daily when the wind isn't blowing, and companies will see the advantage of such benefits.

Renewables are the future. Get on board or be left behind...

#6 | Posted by catdog at 2021-01-25 01:15 PM | Reply

Great News.

Biden needs the expand the tax credits that the Bush administration debuted nearly 2 decades ago. It lead to a sustained boom in solar use. Another big push now that it has become so cheap could to along way to reduce fossil fuel consumption.

#7 | Posted by jamesgelliott at 2021-01-25 01:26 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Power generation doesn't mean power consumption. Solar is still very inefficient since it isn't a 24/7 generator.
#2 | Posted by humtake

Efficiency takes costs into account. But fossil fuels always remove the costs of climate destruction from their efficiency calculations.

When you include the costs of fossil fuel climate damage in fossil fuel costs, they can't compare to clean tech in economics.

#8 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2021-01-25 01:26 PM | Reply

You also have companies moving into alternative energy sources and electric power. Chevron for just one instance makes EGO products.

#1 | Posted by GalaxiePete

We bought EGO's 21" self-propelled electric lawnmower a couple of years ago to cut smaller areas of grass. It's a great machine. No gas, no oil, and quiet enough to be able to carry on a conversation if it's running. I never installed the bag because it mulches so well.

#9 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2021-01-25 02:07 PM | Reply

#9 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

I went EGO this summer when Home Depot was clearing them out... Lawnmower, Snowblower, Weed Whip, Hedge trimmer, etc. I have been on the fence because of the size of my lawn and the price but on clearance they were half off. I was really and truly tired of 2-cycle stuff and all gas snowblowers...

Like you said you can have a conversation over all of them. That is so nice.

The self propelled lawnmower can do my whole yard on a single charge without going into the red at full speed - we have almost half an acre lot.

The snowblower is throwing the slush we had better than anything I have had. I wish the battery was just a little longer but we do have a good sized driveway. It is about twice the typical suburban driveway. I also wish it was at least assisted if not self propelled. But other than that it is amazing. Since I own a number of products and I picked up a couple smaller spare batteries I am set.

Weed Whip - amazing and after doing all my trimming I don't have nerve tingles a gas one leaves me with. I do about 20 minutes of trimming all said and done and it barely touches the battery.

Hedge Trimmer - I am undecided on yet. Seems a little weak at times. I used on light trimming of my evergreens and serious hogging on some other evergreens (gas powered chainsaw came out for a lot of it - too big for trimmer). For it's size and cut size, I expected more power but it does do well enough for sure. At least as well as my little old Black and Decker plug in one with NO CORD...

#10 | Posted by GalaxiePete at 2021-01-25 04:58 PM | Reply

"What a ridiculous bench lol. "

True. The design doesn't take into account the unreasonable trumper who would surely claim it was his right to sit on the panels in the middle thus proving solar power doesn't work.

#11 | Posted by donnerboy at 2021-01-25 05:53 PM | Reply

#2 | POSTED BY HUMTAKE

Yeah, and coal has its own issues.

Solar beating coal and oil during the day means we need a LOT less coal and oil. The battery situation has come along way. It's no longer a real issue for solar power.

Better yet, we actually have solar panels now that working at night believe or not.

But the key point is; imagine how much further we'd be in Republicans hadn't done everything possible to stifle innovation, development and deployment and then ceded away manufacturing to China.

#12 | Posted by Sycophant at 2021-01-25 06:12 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

#10 | Posted by GalaxiePete

Nice group of EGO lawn gear there. I'm very happy with the lawnmower. If the time comes I have to replace the small electric chainsaw and weed trimmer they have my business.

#13 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2021-01-25 09:07 PM | Reply

Just hire somebody. Lawn care is a waste of your life.

#14 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2021-01-26 07:12 AM | Reply

Also, as somebody who likely owns more lipo batteries than every poster here combined due to RC aircraft, please pay attention to your fire hazards.

bangordailynews.com

Do not charge unattended. Do not dispose of batteries in your garbage, you will set landfills on fire. Don't turn them into pop-up recycles, those are shipped to Indonesia to be burned in open pits. People like to posit "we'll be mining plastics in landfills." You will not be doing that if you don't handle lipos properly, as it will all be burnt to carbon once the lipo cell degrades and ignites.

#15 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2021-01-26 08:09 AM | Reply

The only people I still see defending coal and oil
are Republicans (whom depend heavily upon campaign
contributions from the Fossil Fuel Sector), and
those who either worked for an Oil or Coal Company,
or still have tons of shares of an oil or coal
company. Most all of the rest are on board with
the common sense of "Cheaper & Cleaner is Better..."

#16 | Posted by earthmuse at 2021-01-26 02:01 PM | Reply

The only people I still see defending coal and oil

#16 | POSTED BY EARTHMUSE AT 2021-01-26 02:01 PM | FLAG:

China coal power plant expansion is ramping again, significantly. A minister recently assured everybody that with the explosion of battery vehicles, thanks to coal they will have ample charging capacity for them.

#17 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2021-01-27 11:02 AM | Reply