Note: said society is preindustrial and has ample access to flowing water, but not fossil fuels or radioactive deposits. It also has access to mountain hot springs, which I thought could also be used as “batteries” during times when streams freeze. This last point is what set him off.
He also really hates wind turbines.
The way most pre-industrial societies would handle that is to not do the labor that needs water wheels during the winter.
Okay but have you considered that I really like the battery idea
Fair enough.
I’ve built civilizations around far dumber ideas.
Do tell 👀