Kgmqt,

Absent subsidies, the dollar cost of each option would tell which is most efficient. All elements of cost (ultimately labor; the ore pit doesn't issue receipts) are embedded. When hydrocarbons are penalized and battery systems are incentivized, the buyer doesn't have an apples to apples (Effective Work)/$ metric.

One of the benefits of decentralization of market control is reasonably accurate pricing and fewer market dislocations. You know, the kind of thing that regular people find to be compatible with making a living and just getting along.