Is a full renewable grid by 2035 realistic without nuclear or gas backup?
Given that solar and wind now account for over 12% of U.S. electricity generation but remain intermittent, should we continue to phase out coal and natural gas by 2035? I live in West Virginia where coal jobs have already dropped 40% since 2010, and the transition hasn't been easy for families here. But looking at the falling costs of battery storage—down 70% in the last five years—maybe we can afford to be more aggressive without leaving communities behind. What's your honest take: is a full renewable grid realistic, or are we underestimating the role of nuclear and gas as backup?