Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Solar, wind and hydro power could soon
surpass coal
Even in America, where the leaders in
politics and businesses are mostly concerned about ballots at elections and
shareholders meetings, renewable energies are about to generate more electricity
than coal, which has been the most convenient and cost-effective source of
power generation. Is that because American voters are more concerned about the
environment despite the ignorance by the political leaders who decided to
withdraw from the landmark Paris climate accord? Partially yes. But the main
driver for the move is the economy.
Coal still is the main source of power in the
major carbon-emitting nations, China, the US, and India. But coal powerplants
in the US have been aging and become less economical as the cost for natural
gas became cheaper. So, gradually, old coal power plants have been closed and
no new ones have been built. It’s partially good news because natural gas emits
less greenhouse gas, though it still does. Also, the cost of renewable
energies, such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal have become more
competitive, and people and businesses are becoming more environmentally
conscious and supporting renewable energies. Thus, coal is projected to be
surpassed by renewable energies as the primary source of electric power
generation in America within a year or two. Bad news for coal miners, mining
towns and industries but good news for homo sapience and other creatures on the
planet.
Enjoy reading the article and think what
really drives people, businesses and politics.
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