Wow, this is a big post! I find it very readable, and I don't mind the scrolling.
I definitely come away from this with a new perspective on how in the hell we're gonna possibly meet the demand for electricity with the current piecemeal scheme of a relatively few more wind turbines and solar panels compared to the shocking number of power plants globally (62,500!!!). Rather appreciate your emphasis that redundant power plants are needed for existing 'renewables'.
And, I've noted that plutonium power plants don't need any, eh, backup power generation. I'll go seek more info about the ins and outs of nuclear efficiencies of cost and waste/storage/reprocessing (although, any recommendations are appreciated). If it's just a question of engineering, the value may become evident and relatable. I will ponder this.
After another read through, I might be able to follow new developments in hydrogen generation. And, I didn't know how much I needed a refresher on the particulars of coking coal. Basically, I'm floored anew by the scale of the problem of efficiently using materials for steel consuming wind turbines, etc.
I've bookmarked this, and will check out your detailed thermodynamic acc...
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