The economics of “solar power” escapes me. If there has to be stand-by power at all times to make sure there is some degree of reliability to the system, then essentially there have to be TWO parallel generation systems. And if the parallel system has to be built anyway, why bother with the inefficient and unreliable system at all?
Now, it there is a demand for a zero-pollution system for power generation, I submit that widespread development of Thorium fueled Molten-Salt nuclear power plants should be the technology that should be pursued. But so far, there is superstitious dread being stirred up against such a development.
There are a number of advantages to using Thorium-fueled Molten-salt nuclear reactor, in terms of safety, economy and flexibility of application. Every objection raised to the adoption of Thorium-fueled Molten-salt nuclear reactors can be answered,, and the cost-benefit ratio is VASTLY better than any reliance on wind or solar, and is even better than natural gas-fired power generation plants.
From French Embassy website:
Nuclear energy is the cornerstone of french energy policy.
In the ‘70s France chose to develop nuclear as its base load electricity source as a response to the oil crisis and assure its energy independence.
Nuclear Electricity Production: France currently counts 58 commercial nuclear reactors in operation responsible for producing 80% of French domestic electricity. As a comparison, the 104 US reactors produces 20% of US electricity.Despite scarce natural resources, France has reached an energy independence of 50% thanks to its strategic choice for nuclear energy.
Environment: As well as providing safe and reliable energy, nuclear helps to reduce French greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding the release of 31 billions tones of carbon dioxide (contrary to coal or gas generation) and making France the less carbon emitting country within the OECD.
As a leader in nuclear energy, France has developed clean technology for radioactive waste disposal. Reprocessing currently allows France to recover valuable elements from spent fuels and permit a significant reduction of high level waste and lead to safer and optimized containment, for final radioactive waste disposition. French nuclear power plants produces only 10 g/year/inhabitant of highly radioactive waste. . .
http://ambafrance-us.org/spip.php?article949
Someone have a chat with Ted Cruz!