Humankind has never transitioned to energy sources that are more costly, less reliable, and have a larger environmental footprint than the incumbent - and yet that's precisely what adding large amounts of solar and wind to the grid requires.

In this quote, Michael Shellenberger critiques the current push for solar and wind energy as replacements for traditional energy sources like fossil fuels. He argues that humankind has never historically transitioned to energy sources that are more costly, less reliable, and have a larger environmental footprint than the energy sources already in use. According to Shellenberger, integrating large amounts of solar and wind energy into the energy grid brings about these exact problems, contradicting the usual trend of improving efficiency, cost, and environmental impact with each new energy transition.

Shellenberger suggests that while solar and wind energy are often promoted as clean and renewable, they come with significant drawbacks. These include their intermittency, meaning they cannot consistently produce power at the necessary scale, and the high costs associated with their integration into the existing grid. The need for backup systems, often powered by fossil fuels, increases both the cost and environmental footprint of energy production, undermining the supposed benefits of renewable energy.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Shellenberger’s work as a climate policy expert and critic of the renewable energy movement. As an advocate for nuclear energy, Shellenberger often argues that the transition to renewables like solar and wind may not be as environmentally beneficial as often claimed. He suggests that nuclear power, which is more reliable and has a smaller environmental footprint, should be considered a central part of the solution to climate change.

Ultimately, Shellenberger’s quote challenges the prevailing narrative around renewable energy by pointing out the practical and environmental trade-offs involved in transitioning away from fossil fuels. He warns that the push for solar and wind energy, while well-intentioned, might not deliver the cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally sustainable future that is often promised. Instead, he advocates for a more nuanced approach that considers nuclear power as a cleaner and more efficient alternative.