Coal plants are higher in energy wtw ev eff compared to gasoline based ice, none of the data sources i see account for the energy required to handle water cycling that comes with oil production. as if lifting water is free. average usa water cut will be pushing 90% as shale matures, ghawar is above 50% for a decade now. Renewable triples eff compare to coal. it's no contest and SA is adopting solar as fast as they can. they know the math.