Is There a Green Energy Myth?

Is there a green energy myth? In some ways yes there is. Compare various forms of green energy with conventional sources. If a coal or nuclear plant is rated at say 1000 Megawatts then the utility company can count on that 1000 Megawatts 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and 360 days minimum a year. This allows a utility company to offer this amount of power to customers day and night year round. There are occasional outages due to maintenance and other downtime. These are usually preplanned and done during non peak times. The customer is assured that this power will be available when needed.
This is where the myth of green energy is seen. A 1000 Megawatt solar or wind power plant may be able to produce this amount at times. If the wind blows above a certain speed or the sun shines during the day, the green energy sources can produce the stated power at times. However if the wind slows or stops in the case of wind turbines, or there are clouds or nighttime or snow etc., then they do not produce the power stated. Yes they make contributions to the electric grid, but the utility company cannot always count on this power. This is the Green Energy Myth. Green Energy cannot always be relied upon. There has to be a backup source of power to overcome and compensate for these energy shortfalls.That is why coal and nuclear plants are the main sources of electrical energy worldwide.
Do wind and solar have a place in electrical energy production? Yes, without a doubt. They take advantage of energy sources that are low cost to operate. They can help provide power during peak times. They do not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. They are becoming increasing useful. They have niche applications. In the future they will make a significant contribution to world electrical energy. As prices drop and the smart grids are developed that can utilize intermittent energy, they will take their place with other forms of energy.