39. Nuclear Industry, the autopsy - Redefining Energy podcast

I don't know that I'd go so far as saying the nuclear industry is in need of an autopsy-- if I'm comparing it to a person's lifetime, maybe it's better to say semi-retired. It's not gone completely and isn't completely retired from the workforce, but it's sticking around on a part-time basis to continue to provide its still irreplaceable services and institutional/legacy benefits, waiting until the young workforce can build up enough of those same skills and assets to fully replace it. But comfortably coming in on a half day here and there, taking long vacations. No need to plan out the funeral quite yet, but ease into the next phase of life!

Laurent, thanks. The focus and desperation of renewables supporters to convince us nuclear is in its death throes can only be viewed as an encouraging sign.

Thanks very much for this podcast and the facinating discussion of the state of the nuclear industry.  Prior to listening I was of the opinion that the industry is in dire straits. I had not realized it was as bad as you discussed.

I had thought that the nuclear power industry diverged from the military long ago.  I could not help but think as I listened to your comments about the industry´s COVID response, refueling and maintenance activities and possible impacts of climate change on existing nuclear plants, that the lack of transparency in reporting is part and parcel of the military´s conduct with respect to nuclear issues, i.e. that the activities are shrouded in secrecy and there is a never ending need for government financial support.  It only makes sense in light of your comments that, in some cases at least, an important driver for continuing with nuclear power development is to ensure that the requisite nuclear expertise for defense purposes continues to exist in, for example, the UK. 

I noted your main take away from the discussion: At the moment, more renewable capacity is being installed every two days than nuclear in a year.

That pretty much tells the story. Like you, I cannot help but hope that the various efforts underway with fusion will yield results.  But, I am not optimistic. Nor, apparently, are you.

I look forward to future podcasts on this subject.