We must cut carbon dioxide and methane emissions to keep the climate from being over-bearable in the several decades. I just read only a small African country, was keeping its reduction pledge. The U.K. was getting closer than most countries.

            Illinois just passed a bill to keep the nuclear plants running while it is growing its wind and solar. The bill seems to include a 2145 sunset for oil and coal plants. The base load natural gas plants are not affected.

            Now the reality check: The peaking gas plant north of Minooka only runs when demand is high and at a high cost for its electricity. Its emissions are based on a yearly rate even if it only runs sixty days. Its burning of natural gas is highly inefficient. The base load gas plant being built across the river from Minooka claims to be very efficient. Natural gas is methane and it is over thirty times stronger in holding radiant heat from escaping.

            Wind and solar are great when the sun shines, and the wind blows. What about cloudy, windless days or nights. The nukes are a base load and not for peaking. The base load plants aren’t designed to be cyclical and aren’t profitable to run under those conditions. Southern Illinois and the surrounding states don’t have nukes so they still rely on coal and gas plants.

            Some people think huge numbers of batteries will discharge electricity gotten from renewables during the day. Unfortunately, nights are not going to be using less power but maybe more since that is when electric vehicles are going to be charging. Are we heading into an unknown future trying to make it all work or just kicking the can?