NEWS Proceedings of the National Academy publishes our critique of “WWS” model
Our paper now available from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences:
Previous analyses have found that the most feasible route to a low-carbon energy future is one that adopts a diverse portfolio of technologies. In contrast, Jacobson et al. (2015) consider whether the future primary energy sources for the United States could be narrowed to almost exclusively wind, solar, and hydroelectric power and suggest that this can be done at “low-cost” in a way that supplies all power with a probability of loss of load “that exceeds electric-utility-industry standards for reliability”. We find that their analysis involves errors, inappropriate methods, and implausible assumptions. Their study does not provide credible evidence for rejecting the conclusions of previous analyses that point to the benefits of considering a broad portfolio of energy system options. A policy prescription that overpromises on the benefits of relying on a narrower portfolio of technologies options could be counterproductive, seriously impeding the move to a cost effective decarbonized energy system.
Or, download it from the RAEL Publications page: here.
Press coverage of this paper:
June 20, 2017 — Power Magazine: “Experts debunk 100% Renewable Energy Decarbonization Study by WWS Team”
June 20, 2017 — The Chicago Tribune: “A bitter scientific debate just erupted over the future of America’s power grid”
June 20, 2017 — The New York Times: “Fisticuffs Over the Route to a Clean Energy Future”
June 19, 2017 — The Washington Post: “A bitter scientific debate just erupted over the future of America’s power grid”
June 19, 2017 — MIT Technology Review: “Scientists sharply rebut influential renewable energy plan”
June 19, 2017 — Science Daily: “Fighting global warming and climate change requires a broad energy portfolio”
June 19, 2017 — Greentech Media: “100% renewable energy plan as ‘significant shortcomings’ say climate and energy experts”.
Summary:
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