The last 4%. A renewables compromise?

In a world where our political masters cannot, or do not want to do simple math around the creation and distribution of cheap sustainable energy, or find it easier to add up and believe the numbers provided by the their oligarch masters and self interest groups to whom they really serve, well here are some more ´´numbers´´ provided by that less known and increasingly out of popularity.. some Scientific facts.

Before we start remember renewable wind and solar is by far the cheapest and most readily available energy ever. Say it again over and over.. cheapest energy ever!.. (Suggestion.. stop talking with friends about climate change and ask them if they would like cheap energy or keep paying at a price of the most expensive gas peaker plant .. the present UK rip off pricing model).

Look at energy as a system. If you go a third solar energy, a third wind and a third hydro with a suitable grid network you´ve essentially got the backbone of a solution. But because of grid inadequacies due to previous lack of investment and present lack of will to invest in the present electrical distribution grids are not fit for purpose. Curtailment of renewable supplies occurs. We pay renewables sources to stop providing cheap, clean energy. An issue which would gain the attention and rapid resolution from the most retarded goldfish. (Politicians please get a new aquatic pet asap).

So the existing interim solution is batteries. Ever cheaper, ever more reliable, ever more recyclable batteries. This would in most countries meet 95% to 96% of energy needs. Extreme weather conditions particularly in north to south orientated countries such as Chile, Finland, UK and the like would need to cover that last 4 to 5 %. Smaller or east to west orientated countries would need less. Local grids would also spring up and reduce the 4% more.

Anyone involved in systems design will have seen that last 5% can often be budget busting. Aircraft design for example. So what to do ? Persuade the people a few days off grid is a fair compromise for cheap electricity while the politicos finally invest in a decent distribution grid? Doubtful. Keep burning stuff, fighting wars over fossil fuel supply, make poor people poorer, make oligarchs richer.. well debateable!

Here is the controversial answer. Small portable generators. This flexible generation would cover the transition but only be used for a few hours of the year and always keep the lights on. It will save trillions in the alternative of 100% target renewables.

Want to know how, here is Anders Lindberg from Finland explaining the how in Finland. This absolutism of targets is delaying cheap energy. Lets get practical, get cheap energy and leave some clean air for the kids to breath. Accept the 4% compro

mise?