This week, Armando, David and I talked about why the energy transition might be a tiny little bit rushed and might need a rethink. I admit at one point I broke down into tears. Of laughter. It’s a “Laugh it off or die” situation we might very well be having.
I think the conversation should be "Is a transition needed? No? Let' spend money on reinforcing the grid that works and how to dispose of all the worthless (and toxic) windmills and solar panels.
Clearly, all over the “West”, we have the wrong people in charge of making long term energy plans. What would be the ideal person? The most important characteristic is “Heterodox” (not just a specialist in finance or economics or geology or logistics ...). For example, I have heard so many famous economists (PhD’s with a long resume) who say the stupidest things about energy; if sure the opposite is true. It’s the old “silo” effect - they are geniuses in there own narrow field and clueless in all others. The next most important feature is “not-pre-bought”. One could easily see a committee with members who are just shilling for an agenda for their own financial gain (I think this is what happened in Europe- Solar PV shills on the committee guaranteed that Solar PV was the decision - how many will freeze to death this winter due to this?).
I've only got time to listen to this today (Friday) but it is still funny - the arrogance of G7 leaders is amazing. Luckily, owing to the colossal problems they'd face to enforce the price cap, they have deferred the decision to their ministers. Hope we'll never see this idea ever again...
I think the conversation should be "Is a transition needed? No? Let' spend money on reinforcing the grid that works and how to dispose of all the worthless (and toxic) windmills and solar panels.
Clearly, all over the “West”, we have the wrong people in charge of making long term energy plans. What would be the ideal person? The most important characteristic is “Heterodox” (not just a specialist in finance or economics or geology or logistics ...). For example, I have heard so many famous economists (PhD’s with a long resume) who say the stupidest things about energy; if sure the opposite is true. It’s the old “silo” effect - they are geniuses in there own narrow field and clueless in all others. The next most important feature is “not-pre-bought”. One could easily see a committee with members who are just shilling for an agenda for their own financial gain (I think this is what happened in Europe- Solar PV shills on the committee guaranteed that Solar PV was the decision - how many will freeze to death this winter due to this?).
I've only got time to listen to this today (Friday) but it is still funny - the arrogance of G7 leaders is amazing. Luckily, owing to the colossal problems they'd face to enforce the price cap, they have deferred the decision to their ministers. Hope we'll never see this idea ever again...