The proponents of renewable generation seem to ignore the fact that they need to be manufactured - Glass for PV panels, aluminum heat sinks for inverters etc. Wind generators still require a constant supply of electricity to run the lubrication systems and keep them rotating in low or no wind conditions.

Yes we can reduce our reliance on electricity, but industry still needs a reliable base load system to manufacture our renewable generation systems.

"Why we refuse to embrace renewables"

It's not that we refuse to embrace them, I'm just not too keen on the idea of having to peddle the backup generator bicycle every time the "green" power fails again.

Renewables simply are not viable yet; anyone who claims otherwise is simply tossing off.

By all means invest in R&D to make them so, but in the meantime we need an affordable and above all reliable supply of energy. Ask anyone in NW Tas what it's like having to live without a modern energy supply for even just a few days. Nuclear is not the "answer", in the sense of being a panacea for our energy problems, but it is a viable short-term solution, especially if you're so utterly convinced of the wickedness of burning coal, oil or natural gas.

Oh, and of course I launched a tirade against various individuals and groups: all of them thoroughly deserve it.

Thanks for the abuse clownfish.
Now how about you use your "Reason" to impart something more to the debate than strange platitudes about how much you hate everybody.