ROI is subordinate to EROEI for primary energy sources. There is no economic value in digging coal, or oil, or Uranium if you cannot get net positive energy from it. That only works for things like batteries where people will pay a premium for the energy in a convenient form.

We never thought much about ROI in energy planning. As Schumacher put it there are two basic commodities - fuel and food. All others are secondary. For fuel and food, short term market prices are a poor guide for long term planning. Overriding importance is attached to secuity of supply.