Grid Mix Reality
Who actually generates electricity with what. The honest comparison isn't “renewable vs not” — it's how much of a grid is firm (always available) vs variable (weather-dependent). France decarbonised with nuclear; Germany spent half a trillion euros and still burns more coal than France burns anything.
Generation mix by source
Figures rounded from national/agency sources (DCCEEW, RTE, Fraunhofer ISE, US EIA), 2024–25. Australia figure is all-Australia; the NEM runs higher on renewables.
Firm vs variable — the part that matters
The realist read: a high renewable shareisn't the same as a decarbonised, reliable grid. France (~78% firm low-carbon) runs cleaner and steadier than Germany, whose large variable share still leans on coal and gas for the windless, sunless hours. That firming requirement — and its cost — is what the headline number hides.