nuclear-news

Renewables are a better bet than expensive, risky nuclear power

Should the United States rely heavily on nuclear power in seeking to address climate change?
Renewables are a better bet than expensive, risky nuclear power, Missoulian, 1 Feb 16 
MICHAEL E. KRAFT  Michael Kraft is professor emeritus of political science and public and environmental affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.“……Nuclear power will have an important role to play, but it is unlikely to replace much fossil fuel use. It is still too expensive and too risky.

A better bet is to invest in renewables and energy efficiency, which most of the world is now doing. Despite construction of new reactors by China and other Asian nations, globally nuclear electricity production has been leveling off while wind and solar power are soaring. There are good reasons for these trends.

One is cost. The nuclear plants under construction in the U.S., the first after more than three decades, are expected to cost $8 billion to $9 billion each, possibly more, and the eventual decommissioning of reactors remains expensive.

These very high costs make it difficult for private utilities to increase nuclear power generation despite generous federal loan guarantees. They see more promise and lower costs in natural gas-powered plants or in turning to renewable energy.

Other reasons include dealing with waste and safety. Even if the industry can reduce costs through improved technology and reactor design, what do we do about high-level waste disposal, for which no acceptable solution is in sight? And how should we address public concerns over reactor safety after the Fukushima disaster?

A better way forward is to invest heavily in renewables as well as in energy conservation and efficiency, which can cut energy demand sharply.

This includes improved building design, greater reliance on public transit, enhanced transportation efficiency, modernization of the electrical grid and storage technologies, and better lighting, heating and cooling systems……….

February 1, 2016 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general