Why energy shares Woodside (ASX:WPL) and Santos (ASX:STO) plan to go green with gas

editorSolar and wind power continue to gain in popularity. And for good reason.

The technology in solar panels and wind turbines is progressing. While battery technology – needed to store renewable power for when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing – is leaping ahead.

That means the cost of renewable energy is coming down, even as much of the world is working to reduce carbon emissions.

In Europe, this has seen energy giants like Royal Dutch Shell Plc (LON: RDSA), traditionally known for its fossil fuel production, increasingly turning to renewables.

Australia’s own energy giants, like Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) – both part of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) – are…