"but what about weather dependency? and nighttime??"

batteries are pretty cool tech here and seem to be improving in density and dropping cost too... rmi.org/the-rise-of-...

again not discussed in the BHL report

in Smil's defense, he published his paper on energy densities right when solar manufacturing broke into dedicated silicone manufacturing for PV cells, which nearly doubled learning rates in the field. tough time to make predictions

from Casey Handmer: caseyhandmer.wordpress.com/2024/11/09/s...

if we were to ask Smil in 2010 what todays densities would look like, he'd suggest ~15 W/m2 (a small improvement) and call even this unlikely (see quote from paper). Chris' use of this data in his 2024 book would suggest he agrees with that claim even today?

The section titled "Energy Systems Today" harps on renewable intermittency leading to higher energy prices, and bemoans the need for significant land use due to low energy density. a few figures are cited

summer climbing conditions out there

hearing these are now collectors items

strong surf day

i am well adjusted and capable of having normal conversations i am w

personal favorite