Thousands of people took to the streets in Hamm to oppose the construction of new gas plants in Germany. The government is pushing these infrastructures to cover the lack of solar and wind energy, but groups like Fridays for Future warn that gas makes electricity more expensive and worsens climate change. For citizens, this translates into higher electricity bills, while renewables offer stable prices and a cleaner future.
The technical dilemma between gas and renewable energy ⚡
From a technical point of view, natural gas remains a fossil fuel that emits CO2 and depends on volatile markets. Renewables, such as solar and wind, have decreasing production costs and offer long-term tariff stability. However, their intermittency requires storage or backup. Betting on gas prolongs dependence on expensive and polluting infrastructures, delaying the transition towards a more efficient and cheaper electrical system for the consumer.
Gas: the expensive friend nobody invited to the party 😅
It seems the German government has decided to invite gas to the energy party, even though it's the friend who always leaves the highest bill. While renewables promise fixed prices and clean air, gas brings price hikes and CO2 emissions. It's like choosing between an electric car and a gas-guzzling SUV: you know the latter will get you to the same place, but by emptying your wallet and the planet. Good thing in Hamm someone still has common sense.