On: A Skeptic Looks at Alternative Energy

[anthonyb]

$6b is not so bad when you consider that coal subsidies are in about the same ballpark: http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/coal-and-gas-paid-7b-...

And there's no moral problem. To paraphrase Winston Churchill - you're just haggling over the price.

[rimantas → anthonyb]

And the amount of energy produced is in the same ballpark too?

[anthonyb → rimantas]

We're talking cost per kWhr, so yes, per kWhr.

The issue is that coal is quoted at 10c/kWhr, solar at a higher rate, but that neglects subsidies and negative externalities like climate change. Once you balance the subsidies and introduce a carbon price, coal starts to look a lot worse.