If I could quote, I would but...

All high technology has a carbon cost for construction, yes even solar and wind. Whether it's rare earth or silicon production, these things have a carbon cost, the trade is if these carbon costs are offset by the power they generate.

In Australia, this is an obvious yes, the katabatic winds beat from the south almost as hard as the sun over our heads.

In Germany, a land with rolling hills that's far form the equator, the answer is no. Their solar power is an embarrassing failure, they've been discussing coal which is disastrous. They need nuclear power but won't get it because of smooth brains fear mongering it.