Michael Schellenberger

Rank 39 of 47

Score -80

This is truly bananas: all of Europe appears to have been seconds away a continent-wide blackout.

The grid frequency across continental Europe plunged to 49.85 hertz — just a hair above the red-line collapse threshold.

The normal operating frequency for Europe’s power grid

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

Renewables don't risk blackouts, said the media. But they did and they do. The physics are simple. And now, as blackouts in Spain strand people in elevators, jam traffic, and ground flights, it's clear that too little "inertia" due to excess solar resulted in system collapse.

4/28/2025, 5:58:37 PM

The statement and accompanying images discuss a significant issue regarding the stability of Europe's power grid and the potential impact of renewable energy sources on grid reliability. The tone is urgent and critical, highlighting the risks associated with renewable energy and its role in recent blackouts.

Principle 1:
I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
The statement raises awareness about potential risks in energy infrastructure, which can be seen as striving to prevent harm by informing the public. [+1]
Principle 3:
I will use my words and actions to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion.
The statement could promote understanding of energy issues, but it may also contribute to fear or misunderstanding if not balanced with comprehensive information.
Principle 4:
I will engage in constructive criticism and dialogue with those in disagreement and will not engage in personal attacks or ad hominem arguments.
The statement critiques renewable energy sources, which is valid in public discourse, but it should avoid oversimplification or blame without considering broader context and solutions. [-1]