The Impracticality of Wind and Solar as the Sole Grid Power Source

A recent analysis highlights the staggering costs and technical challenges of transitioning to wind and solar as the sole electricity sources for the PJM grid, the largest power grid in the U.S. The study calculates the battery storage required to meet peak demand during a summer heatwave, revealing a cost of $2.4 trillion for a single day of operation. This figure grows exponentially when accounting for multi-day heatwaves, reaching up to $10 trillion.
The analysis assumes peak demand of 180,000 MW for 24 hours, with solar providing power during daylight hours and batteries covering the remaining 16 hours. However, the required storage capacity—4.8 million MWh of nameplate battery capacity—far exceeds current global production capabilities. Even with optimistic cost reductions, the scale of battery production needed is unachievable by 2030.
Additionally, raw material shortages pose a significant barrier. The world lacks sufficient lithium and cobalt to produce the required batteries, even if technological advancements were made. The reliance on fossil fuels for charging batteries further undermines the feasibility of a fully renewable grid.
The study raises critical questions about the electric power industry’s silence on these challenges and the unrealistic assumptions behind renewable energy transition plans. The findings underscore the need for a more pragmatic approach to grid reliability, emphasizing the impracticality of relying solely on wind and solar power.
In conclusion, the analysis demonstrates that the costs and technical limitations of transitioning to wind and solar as the sole grid power sources are far beyond current capabilities, casting serious doubts on the viability of such plans.

Published: 7/12/2025