[RobotToaster]

As much as coal is bad for the environment, eliminating it completely isn't a great idea. It's one of the few sources of energy capable of a black start https://www.theblackoutreport.co.uk/2023/06/13/black-start/

Renewables generally aren't capable of a black start, wind turbines in particular use induction generators that require external power.

[SAI_Peregrinus]

Batteries & solar (with sunlight) can black start if they have grid-forming inverters. Grid-following inverters are cheaper, but there's nothing physical or engineering-based that prevents using grid-forming inverters on enough renewable sources to black start when needed, just the economics of cheaper installations.

[rootusrootus]

> It's one of the few sources of energy capable of a black start

Doesn't hydropower count for like half of our black start capability?

> Renewables generally aren't capable of a black start, wind turbines in particular use induction generators that require external power.

Wind farms and PV both can use batteries to support black start capability.