‘Cheap’ solar and wind is a lie, green countries pay more!

The increasing reliance on solar and wind energy in countries like Germany and the UK has led to a significant rise in electricity costs, despite the perception of these sources as cheaper alternatives. This is largely because these renewable sources require backup from fossil fuels when weather conditions are unfavorable, leading to the necessity of maintaining dual power systems. Consequently, electricity prices in these countries have surged, with Germany experiencing some of the highest power prices globally. On days with low solar and wind output, fossil fuels still dominate, causing wholesale prices to spike.
The situation highlights a broader issue of the economic feasibility of green energy, especially in less affluent nations. While richer countries are able to sustain these energy forms through subsidies and existing infrastructure, poorer countries face challenges as they continue to rely on fossil fuels to meet growing energy demands. The disparity underscores the need for advancements in green technology and battery storage, as well as a reassessment of the true costs associated with transitioning to renewable energy sources. The narrative that green energy is inherently cheaper is being challenged, suggesting a need for increased investment in research and development to make renewable energy truly competitive with fossil fuels.
RATING
The article raises important points about the costs associated with renewable energy, particularly in countries with high solar and wind penetration like Germany and the UK. It effectively highlights the challenges of intermittency and the need for fossil fuel backups, which can drive up electricity prices. However, the article's strong critical stance and lack of balanced perspectives limit its overall effectiveness.
While the article is timely and addresses issues of public interest, its impact is diminished by the absence of detailed evidence and diverse viewpoints. The lack of specific sources and citations also affects the credibility of the claims made. Despite these shortcomings, the article is engaging and readable, with the potential to provoke meaningful discussions about the economics of renewable energy.
To fully inform readers and contribute to constructive debate, the article would benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the issues, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities presented by renewable energy transitions. Providing a balanced view with detailed evidence and diverse perspectives would enhance its overall quality and impact.
RATING DETAILS
The article presents several factual claims about the costs associated with increasing solar and wind power, particularly in countries like Germany and the UK. It correctly identifies that these countries have high electricity prices and discusses how the intermittency of renewables necessitates backup power, often from fossil fuels, which can increase overall costs. However, the claim about the direct correlation between renewable energy share and higher electricity costs is somewhat simplistic, as electricity prices are influenced by a variety of factors, including taxes, grid infrastructure, and market regulations.
The article references studies comparing the costs of renewables to fossil fuels, mentioning that solar and wind are more expensive. While it is true that renewables can have higher integration costs, the article does not fully account for the decreasing costs of solar and wind technologies over time. Additionally, the claim that battery technology is insufficient is generally accurate, but the specifics about Germany's battery storage running out in 20 minutes could benefit from more precise data.
Moreover, the article's assertion that renewable energy is a "lie" due to its costs is a strong opinion rather than a factual statement. The complexity of energy economics and the role of subsidies and policy in shaping costs are not fully explored, which affects the accuracy of the narrative. Overall, while the article highlights important issues regarding renewable energy costs, some claims require further verification and context.
The article predominantly presents a critical view of renewable energy, emphasizing the costs and challenges associated with solar and wind power. It highlights the financial burden on consumers and the reliance on fossil fuel backups without equally exploring the benefits of renewables, such as environmental advantages, long-term cost reductions, and technological advancements.
There is a noticeable lack of perspectives from proponents of renewable energy who might argue that the initial costs are offset by environmental benefits and potential future savings as technology improves. The article also fails to consider the role of government subsidies and policies in shaping the energy market, which could provide a more balanced view of the costs and benefits of renewable energy.
By focusing heavily on the negative aspects and labeling the push for renewables as a "lie," the article risks presenting a skewed perspective. A more balanced approach would include discussions on how renewable technology is evolving to address some of the highlighted issues, such as intermittency and storage.
The article is generally clear in its language and structure, presenting a straightforward argument about the costs associated with renewable energy. The points are logically organized, and the use of specific examples, such as Germany's electricity prices, helps to illustrate the claims made.
However, the tone is somewhat polemical, particularly with the use of phrases like "a dangerous, expensive lie," which could detract from the objective presentation of information. A more neutral tone would improve clarity by allowing readers to focus on the facts rather than the rhetoric.
Overall, while the article is easy to follow, the clarity could be enhanced by avoiding charged language and providing more detailed explanations of complex issues, such as the economics of energy markets.
The article does not provide specific sources for its claims, relying instead on general references to studies and data from the International Energy Agency. This lack of specific citations makes it difficult to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented.
While the author, Bjorn Lomborg, is a known figure in the field of environmental economics, his perspectives are often controversial and critiqued for downplaying climate change risks. This background could introduce bias into the reporting, affecting impartiality.
A more robust article would include direct references to the studies mentioned, allowing readers to evaluate the evidence themselves. The reliance on a single perspective without diverse sources limits the depth and reliability of the information.
The article lacks transparency in several areas, particularly regarding the sources of its data and the methodologies behind the claims made. It references studies and data without providing detailed citations or explanations of how these conclusions were reached.
Furthermore, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the author's perspective. Given the author's known stance on climate issues, acknowledging these biases would enhance transparency and allow readers to better understand the context of the arguments presented.
The article could improve transparency by clearly outlining the basis for its claims, including data sources and methodologies, and by acknowledging any potential biases or conflicts of interest.
Sources
- https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/germanys-renewable-support-costs-could-drop-2025-amid-strong-solar-expansion-analysis
- https://aleasoft.com/rise-european-market-prices-gas-fall-wind-energy-february-2025/
- https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2025/01/EER_2025_22012025.pdf
- https://evwind.aeeolica.org/2025/03/11/in-the-first-week-of-march-wind-energy-production-increased-in-the-german-and-iberian-markets-compared-to-the-previous-week/104822
- https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/weak-winds-eat-generation-capacity-gains-germanys-renewable-fleet-early-2025
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