I agree with you about wind turbines being inefficient, and personally don't like the path to using renewables only by the Greens, as based on their policy website.
I do think that solar, hydro and wind should all be part of the energy mix, in specific geographic locations. Because not everyone can be connected to the same grid.
I see coal as valuable when used in underground coal gasification (UCG) (See Linc Energy LNC, Cougar Energy CXY, Carbon Energy CNX), and gas powered power stations. I also see a place for Fuel Cell technology (See Ceramic Fuel Cells CFU)
I personally don't think burning coal (no matter how clean) will ever shrug off it's poor profile. Just my opinion though.
Good Luck to all.
Disclosure. I hold LNC. I don't hold the others.
MNM Price at posting:
16.8¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held