Scott, Yes he's been mugged by physics and chemistry. In the end no amount of spin and sophistry can overcome the reality.
In my view there is a place for solar and wind in our system but there must also be large scale power generation from hydro, coal, gas or nuclear for base load. Distributed batteries won't meet industrial scale base load demand.
Unfortunately nuclear has become a left v right, blue v red team issue. It shouldn't be. Many former and current ALP members are on the record as favouring nuclear but are staying quiet out of team loyalty.
The only chance hydrogen has as a fuel or feedstock is if there is a massive, cheap, over supply of electricity to soak up. That situation might arise in the future on occasions when the wind blows, the sun shines and nuclear power stations are available to suit base load. Then the excess electricity could be used in industry, desalination or hydrogen production.
