Climate Letter #573

New low bids for the cost of producing wind energy.  These came in at an average of 3.0 cents per kwh, with the lowest at 2.5 cents.  (For a quick perspective, check out what you are paying at retail on your own bill.)  The location, Morocco, has very favorable wind conditions, but the cost is still amazing.  Coal would be more than twice that high, and moreover, “As one observer noted following the tender result, even if the coal were free, a coal fired plant could not match those costs.”  This post includes a number of observations about the transforming power of renewable energy, which has lately progressed in a manner that is not commonly understood or appreciated—and the downward cost spiral is far from over!

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Solar cell manufacturing technology gets another boost.  A new technique, accomplished by a Japanese group, substantially lowers the cost of silicon material while improving quality and thus efficiency.  Japan is looking for ways to become a leading competitor as a supplier of solar apparatus—a good bet in my mind.
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The economic benefits of switching to renewables.  A major study has been completed which details the global benefits of renewable growth, country-by-country.  Even countries that depend on fossil fuel exports can come out well ahead when using a target date of 2030.  The ability to substantially reduce the drain on water resources was one of the interesting factors taken into account, often overlooked.
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Another recent study, based on a survey of the views of specialized economists, also provides results highly favorable to making a switch to renewables.  The argument that getting rid of fossil fuels will send humanity back to an 18th century standard of living, or worse, seems to be losing credibility.
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One more study of the benefits of renewable energy, this time limited to a focus on the US, taking special note of expected improvements for the environment and human health outcomes.  (A similar study, if made in places having weaker pollution standards, should have much more dramatic results.)  The main purpose of this study was to show that clean power programs were in fact well worth their cost, contrary to the claims of deniers.
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Humans began warming the climate about 7000 years ago (in a friendly way.)  Clearing land for agriculture did the trick, including a rising CO2 response.  Bill Ruddiman led this interesting study.
Carl

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