The ongoing debate over fossil fuels has been dominated by rhetoric rather than realism. Advocates for a complete transition to renewable energy sources often ask us to “imagine” a world without coal, natural gas, and oil, but this ignores the practical challenges of meeting our energy needs while also addressing environmental concerns. The truth is, the types of renewable energy sources that are often touted as alternatives to fossil fuels simply cannot match their reliability and affordability. Despite decades of rhetoric and significant investments, renewables only accounted for 20% of US electricity and 9% of US energy in 2023, while fossil fuels still make up 83% of US energy and 60% of electricity.
This reality check should give pause to those who believe that transitioning away from fossil fuels will be quick, easy, or affordable. The truth is, we still rely heavily on fossil fuels for our daily activities, from lighting and heating our homes to traveling and producing goods. While proponents of renewables may ask us to “imagine” a world where we have fully transitioned, a recent study by Baylor University has found that this is simply not feasible. The current alternative energy sources cannot reliably meet demand and are far more costly, even with government subsidies.
One of the main challenges with renewable energy is its lack of reliability. Unlike fossil fuels, which can produce energy day and night, wind and solar energy are dependent on weather conditions. This means that when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining, there is no energy being produced. This poses a problem for supporters of renewables, as they must either accept the limitations of these sources or find a way to address the issue of reliability.
In conclusion, the debate over fossil fuels and renewable energy sources is far from over. While there is a growing push for a complete transition to renewables, the reality is that fossil fuels are here to stay. We must find a way to balance our energy needs with environmental concerns, and this will require a more realistic approach that takes into account the limitations of renewable energy sources.