Where the European Union “Works”
This brings to mind another observation. While it’s clear from other news that the financial concept of the European Union is structurally flawed, there are real operational successes on the energy front, with/without budget-busting subsidies. Continent-wide integration of the power grid, PLUS the ample availability of low cost, rapid response, hydro (and natural gas) fired power, allows for a much higher renewable energy mix than in the US, where the growth in hydro power has essentially stalled under environmental pressures. This is yet another example that the complexities of energy security, renewable sources, emissions, and other (often legitimate) environmental interests have diffused any rational long-term energy policy.