Time to consider nuclear energy again
Do the pros outweigh the cons for the green lobby’s former bête noire? – Sean Curry
One unexpected consequence of the war in Ukraine is to boost the case for renewable energy. The simple fact that the crisis has pushed fossil fuel energy prices higher has certainly highlighted the economic arguments. From the point of view of energy security and resiliency too, the crisis seems to put further pressure on the timeline of adoption.
In the short term, as we seek to eliminate the dependency on Russian energy, we are likely to see a displacement effect when we source fossil fuel from other markets like the US. Ultimately, however, the net effect of all these factors may be to make other possible energy options more attractive, even if that means reconsidering those historically more unpalatable for the environmental lobby.
Nuclear power has long attracted fierce debate. It is, however, an increasingly effective option in the fight against carbon emissions, one that provides stable uninterrupted power. In the West, the public has been distrustful of nuclear for decades. Ideology, though, may have got in the way of an honest appraisal of its role in combatting the Climate Crisis. The Green Lobby has been especially conflicted, having tended to conflate the arguments against nuclear power with those against nuclear weapons. The disaster at Fukushima in 2011 – the most severe nuclear accident since Chernobyl, 25 years earlier – created another opportunity to dismiss nuclear as a solution.
Today, if we are serious about the climate objectives, we should re-examine all zero emissions solutions critically. Nuclear energy produces the least CO2 equivalent emissions compared to any other energy form, helping solidify its place in global decarbonisation goals.
Indeed, public policy is already shifting. Germany and Japan have pivoted their stance to re-examine extending the lives of existing nuclear reactors. Elsewhere, there is significant build-out, with Asia taking the lead where there are 35 reactors under construction. Strong commitments have also been made within the UK and France.
Any relaxation of the opposition to nuclear energy is partly due to scientific advances. A new generation of technology is coming through which is having the effect of reducing the stigma around nuclear energy.
The time for pragmatism is now. The planet cannot afford to wait on the uncertain timelines and costs around other options. A reappraisal of a proven carbon-free technology is required.