Chris Hansen, et al., opine that the energy transition is underway. While this transition is occurring across many dimensions of the energy value chain having a dynamic impact on consumers and producers alike, it is often simply described as a move to a cleaner, low- or zero-carbon system. The contours of the pathway remain unclear, but certain aspects are already visible. The dramatic rise in solar and wind power generation in electricity systems and the rise of electric vehicles are occurring in multiple economies across the globe as is an increased focus on energy efficiency, [although unanticipated costs of O&M (not factored into the initial economics) of the large wind and solar projects are increasing significantly]. Closer to home, a dramatic and distinct move away from coal in power generation is occurring, displaced largely by low-cost natural gas as well as wind. While the environmental impacts of this transition are desirable, it carries with it mounting concerns around how economically displaced communities will cope, [especially if the costs of electricity produced by the large wind and solar projects continue to rise].
Almost every presidential hopeful in the Democratic party has issued a plan to tackle climate change that includes expanded closures of coal power plants, and many have goals aimed at zero coal use in the U.S. energy system within the next decade. However, few, if any, of these plans has considered how precisely to deal with the local economic and social impacts. At the national level, policy supporting such a transition has not progressed substantively. However, what has emerged and been well-documented is the leadership of states. For example, at the end of May, Colorado’s Governor signed a package of 14 bills into law. The bills originated from the state’s House and Senate and run the gamut addressing energy efficiency, coal phase-out, electric vehicles, and renewables.
[Read on but notice that nuclear power is not mentioned but is included in a figure. The rising O&M costs are also not mentioned.This clearly indicates that the article has been prepared by poorly informed, biased researchers. This article also has the ear-marks of an article driven by and supported financially by the wind and solar lobbies and companies ... Fact Check underway].
Original working URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/thebakersinstitute/2019/08/21/energy-transitions-and-local-action-the-case-of-colorados-coal-transition/#3e5207f3f23a
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