Wind turbines have a short payback time. Same with solar. Which is why coal plants are being shut down before end of life, it is cheaper to use wind and solar than continue to buy coal. In terms of recycle, coal waste is an on going environmental risk. Gas for electric peak demand will see every growing and cheaper batteries. LFP is already an economically superior alternative to Ni Co.. This article is basically ignorant of technical evolution and current economic advantages of wind and solar, which will only be stronger in the years to come.