Thanks, ftth. Pretty much a global phenomenon, this squabbling over different aspects of energy.
It has macro and micro aspects. Feed-in tariffs (FIT) in heavily indebted jurisdictions are particularly stressed as deleveraging works its way through their economies - Ontario, Spain, California, the UK and many others. Ditto for wind. Preparing for the future is an investment; the return is delayed; so the arguments pervade even jurisdictions with healthy economics.
The price for photovoltaic equipment is dropping, so regardless of other economic drivers solar FIT should also decline. Over the next century, there'll be constant haggling on the energy front despite local variations. Example: the present-day trade dispute between China and the US centered on photovoltaic equipment.
Meanwhile, other jurisdictions power ahead with increased FIT.
If money is the water of life, energy is air. It's fundamental to our changing existence. At some point in the distant future demand, supply, social, ecological and economic needs will equilibrate. Until then these issues will be a constant feature of our lives.
Jim |
