The nuclear industry´s strategy seems to be to demonize all other possible alternatives to fossil fuels until nothing is left but nuclear. It offers little in its own favor. The strategy worked for quite a while until the last few years when the cost of solar and wind plummeted. The facts remain that 1) Of all the options, nuclear is by far the most expensive. See, for example, http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/latest-lazard-levelized-cost-of-energy-analysis-published-nov-2019/ 2) Nuclear´s only play these days is to extend the life of existing plants while the industry comes up with the next big thing, one that has been promised for upwards of 50 years, just repackaged and re-marketed. 3) Nuclear is still in denial mode with respect to the waste problem. 4. While the carbon footprint of extended life nuclear plants may be low, new plants are by no means even competitive with solar and wind with respect to the life cycle carbon footprint. And even the extended life nukes are non-competitive in some markets. The industry, as far as I can tell, doesn´t even address the issue, other than to say what a shame it would be to shut down perfectly good nuclear generator plants, as long as the government (us) pays for it. There is a place for research. But for how long will the taxpayer carry the industry? 5. Big nuclear accidents happen. They do not inspire confidence.

I just don´t see the case for new nuclear, barely for old nuclear. Maybe we all will tomorrow. But it never seems to come. In the meantime, renewables provide more and more clean and dependable energy to many people now. Their trajectory is almost vertical. Storage systems advance steadily. And the intermittency issue is getting old already. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/plugged-in/renewable-energy-intermittency-explained-challenges-solutions-and-opportunities/. Also https://globalchange.mit.edu/sites/default/files/MITJPSPGC_Rpt277.pdf And, with respect to peakload gas: “Nowadays with the emergence of energy storage and other technologies the peaking power plants have started to phase out in the developed countries. Energy storage, demand response techniques and innovative grid technologies are becoming more and more attractive. In places like Germany and California, USA these signs are prominent.” https://www.sciencepolicycircle.org/38-the-peakers-the-role-of-peaking-power-plants-and-their-relevance-today Please find another horse to flog.

Until nuclear can make a case for itself on its own merits instead of by denying the value of alternatives, the nuclear industry will have to be regarded as an extreme liability, both financially and environmentally. Great research. Really interesting. I can´t get enough about super conductors and giant magnets. I hope the taxpayers agree to keep paying.

But, essentially the nuclear industry´s suggestion seems to be to nationalize the electricity industry by government financing, constructing and indemnifying nuclear plants. Yeah, that´ll work.

There may be a pie in the sky. But, let´s not count on it anymore

Nuclear Energy - Our best weapon against Climate Change