Aiden, that article that you linked, I have started reading it.
They seem to be on the right track but probably will have to go further.
The current put it where it will make a quid attitude will end up with
lots in the best places with nothing where needed when the wind stops
in the most desirable places.

That way lies bankruptcy.

I have no idea why the government isn't working out how much windmills and solar panels we need to go 100% renewable.

I also have no idea why the government isn't working out how many fairies there are at the bottom of our collective gardens.

A difference of opinion
We will always have them, and some one will always be more right than the other side
A need some display,rudeness to highlight their opinion is both right and the only sane one, can be quite wrong
Personal abuse will not strengthen your view or weaken others
Ignore at your peril this subject is very far from one sided
Opinions differ but our future will see things we never dreamed of come in this area

Apologies Belly I was referring to you saying thousands of petrol stations closing down. Of course I cannot say how many whale oil sellers there were closed down? I agree with what you say but solar and wind and in fact all the current renewables are like the airship, bound to fail.
I cannot believe how stupid are the scientists who have not pointed this basic flaw out. I am certainly with you in that some new power source will be found but hard to see the current crop of numpties being able to see this wood for the trees.
Check out practical Asia, they are building coal, coal and more coal and there is a clue. In my opinion.

Yes Mhaze, just as important is where to put them !

I believe there is no need for my input as everyone has done an exemplary job of debating their particular bent or views on the topic.
I have said already in another thread, that if this CC thing is as serious as we are coerced into believing, I would have thought we would have seen 'real' working examples of renewables, installed way back decades ago.
So I have always wondered why we keep spending all this money on R&D, grants, and so on, with absolutely NO results.
Remember that wind and solar go back to the turn of the century and beyond, so what's the problem?
I have questioned the whole CC con, by asking why are we (humanity) being charged for the existence of CO2?
Because as I see it, I do not back away from accepting humanity played a part in CC, BUT, nowhere near the amount we have been charged as the sole cause of ALL the CO2.
The other thing worth mentioning is, that if a new technology cannot match or preferably, beat the old, then it is un-acceptable.
So it is with price, duty cycle,maintenance, reliability and so on, I think you all get the pic.
Having followed this from the beginning, I can safely say, these current renewables are 'unfit for purpose' and must not be entertained.
You've all heard why they won't work, well you can believe the stories or reports, God there are enough of em'.