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[deleted] t1_j2k57mk wrote

Reply to comment by BagisBerra in Defying Expectations, EU Carbon Emissions Drop To 30-Year Lows by doyouhavetono

Phasing out fossil fuel is a ridiculous pipe dream. Renewables don't even come close to supplying the energy needs of the world. I think the last chart showed it at like 4% of the total and that is before you consider the fossil fuels necessary to build the solar panels, electric cars, the coal powered electricity needed to power the electric cars, etc. The only thing that comes close to being a viable alternative is nuclear and we have been getting rid of those for years now. Our energy policy is insane.

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BagisBerra t1_j2lqqxd wrote

As can be noted, I did not mention renewable energy. I talk about phasing out fossil fuel, becoming carbon neutral, i.e. including nuclear power. Take Sweden and Norway as examples, no gas is being burned there to generate electricity or heating. The public opinion on nuclear has shifted thoug, the public has realized - as you point out - that nuclear is needed as the base power generation, as well as the adjustable component of the total power generation. But Norway has zero nuclear, and manages to supply their power needs (including the world's biggest fleet of electric vehicles per capita) from hydro alone. Sweden has roughly 45% hydo and 45% nuclear, and solar and wind makes up for the rest. So renewable, short term, is not realistic, no. Carbon / fossil free is however.

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