What a simplistic view you have of renewables, I assume because that is your beleif/faith... If you where a redneck or deplorables you would be lambasted.

Renewables have MASSIVE resource impacts and we have limited data on their lifecycle. The UK offshore (Boris worshipped) windfarms are now decaying after 5 years, despite a 25 year warranty by Siemens... and the court case for compensation only started a year ago... who knows how long the EU courts will spin that one!)

ANY renewable energy is good, but it is a waste if it is subsidised, particularly by poorer electricity users ( as it currently is).

Merry xmas, Greame 123, but after that xmas dinner, read this post again and come back to me.

Alison, u appear to be an Abbott fan from an earlier comment, that explains a lot, he was an embarrassment to our country and got his just reward. I don’t want to get drawn into a debate about technology just like everyone gets sucked into the climate change debate about whose computer model has the best inputs and whether its 1.555 deg C or 1.8999. Yes all energy production has inefficiencies that goes for renewable and coal. Coal is also subsidised, so if you don’t like renewable subsidises I guess you don’t like how the coal industry operates with coal at half the price in Australia of that for international coal.
I speak on the basis of living in an area surrounded by coal mines. They destroy farm land, create atmospheric pollution with children that have significantly higher respiratory rates than other non mined areas and interfere with water resources. I have had solar power since 2008, have added nothing since install and neither has there been a decline in efficiency. So this counters your argument of massive resource inputs and reduce efficiency with time.
I think u miss my point about the article, everyone goes into the argument about climate change and how it is or is not affecting the world. The technocrate response. Wrong argument. My argument is: can we use a less resource intensive source(s) that does not pollute air, water and land. And lets face it coal does impact all three on an permanent basis.
Thank you for wishing me a merry Christmas, I hope you have a good christmas.

To each their own, I will not follow suit like you lefties and insult Julia, kevin, swanny, albo, sleezy Greg et al or even mention the Green Meanies we havve in state and federal parliament. Our sentiments re land air and water are simialr BUT. I demand actual outcomes which I have measured scientifically, over dreams and green platitudes of faith. Will add more later, must "fly" to Melbourne in my diesel car to do so water audits to help save water and money for a clinet.

I think the standard of the 2 party system in Australia is very poor, so I am not left nor right but what is the best thing to undertake. I would love a NSW style ICAC in federal politics and cessation of all party donations and go to public funding to get the developers and vested interest businesses out of our democracy. I am more a Jordan Peterson follower. Just because I support renewable energy does not make me a leftie.
I operated a small regional water utility, division of treatment, in country NSW. In that role we undertook audits of water, electricity, chemicals in treatment and carbon including embodied energy. They are all linked and influence each other, my experience is based on actual real life demonstrations, no dreams here.

Graeme123. In principle a powerful ICAC would be fine, BUT the NSW model is "fecked" and misused by pollies and bureacrats having a go at each other. AND ICAC staff tend to have political leanings, which in itself is corrupt!..

From personal experience I had a 2 week investigation caused by a snotty, incompetent admnistrator I callout. After two weeks they told me what it was about and they were embarrassed ( but not apologetic for their mis interpretation) when the facts were revealed ( not those made by the snotty vengeful incompetent administer. God knws what it cost for that 2 weeks of farcifacl investigation and all over $700 item on my credit card that was spent to feed 6 senior staff, 2 exec directors and a Director general over 3 days at a planning venue.

Who knows how much lawyers fees were expended, but it is a lucrative gig to be on their " assisting Council" list!