It is a frightening prospect: if the energy market continues on its current path, it may become impossible for wind and solar projects to make a profit.

The simple truth is, the more variable renewables on a network, the greater the fall in wholesale market prices.

It is basic supply and demand economics. When the sun is shining, all solar panels in that sunny area will send power to the grid at the same time, and the same goes for wind turbines on windy days.