Sunlight and wind are inherently unreliable and energy-dilute. As such, adding solar panels and wind turbines to the grid in large quantities increases the cost of generating electricity, locks in fossil fuels, and increases the environmental footprint of energy production.

In this quote, Michael Shellenberger argues that sunlight and wind—the primary sources for solar panels and wind turbines—are inherently unreliable and energy-dilute, meaning that they do not consistently produce energy at the scale and intensity required for stable electricity generation. He suggests that integrating large quantities of solar panels and wind turbines into the energy grid can lead to increased costs of generating electricity, rather than reducing them. This is due to the intermittent nature of these energy sources, which require additional infrastructure, such as energy storage or backup systems powered by fossil fuels, to ensure a stable supply.

Shellenberger’s argument also addresses the environmental impact of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which he claims can inadvertently lock in fossil fuels and increase the environmental footprint of energy production. As these sources often cannot provide a consistent flow of energy on their own, they rely on fossil fuel-based backup systems to fill in the gaps, undermining the environmental benefits of using renewable energy in the first place. In this view, the push for more solar and wind energy may not always lead to the desired reductions in carbon emissions and environmental impact.

The origin of the quote comes from Shellenberger’s work as an environmental policy expert and advocate for nuclear energy as a solution to climate change. In his writing, particularly in his book "Apocalypse Never," Shellenberger challenges popular narratives about renewable energy and argues that nuclear power is a more reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to both fossil fuels and large-scale renewable energy systems.

Ultimately, Shellenberger’s perspective critiques the mainstream push for solar and wind energy as the dominant solutions to climate change, highlighting the practical challenges of these technologies. He advocates for a more balanced approach to energy production, one that recognizes the limitations of renewables while embracing nuclear energy and other technologies that can provide reliable, low-carbon power.