Energy crisis looms as solar and wind face scrutiny

In a recent government meeting, officials expressed growing concerns over the deteriorating energy situation in the county, likening it to the proverbial frog slowly boiling in water. The discussion highlighted stark contrasts in electricity costs across states, with Nebraska at 9.8 cents per kilowatt hour, Pennsylvania at 18 cents, and New York at 28 cents.

A key point raised was the concept of Energy Returned on Energy Invested (EROEI), which evaluates the efficiency of energy production. Concerns were voiced about the influence of carbon credit schemes and short-term profit motives that could lead to long-term economic and environmental harm. The closure of the NRG power plant in Dunkirk was cited as a significant loss, as it was set to provide affordable, dispatchable dual-cycle gas energy.

Critics of solar and wind energy pointed out their inefficiencies, claiming they only deliver 12 to 15% of the energy promised by developers. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's stance was referenced, emphasizing the need for backup energy sources like gas, coal, and nuclear to prevent grid failures.

The meeting also addressed the proposed Battery Energy Storage (BES) systems, which are intended to store energy but raise safety concerns due to risks of fires and toxic gas releases. The estimated cost of $100 million for a four-hour backup was questioned, particularly regarding its feasibility for small communities.

Overall, the discussions underscored a pressing need for a reevaluation of energy strategies, with calls for a return to more reliable and efficient energy sources.