Diarmaid Williams reports that those who talk down the benefits of nuclear power are showing a poor understanding (and are ignorant) of current energy realities, according to the World Nuclear Association.
WNA has responded to the content of a recent article by Noah Smith on Bloomberg News, where the commentator contended that nuclear would not be viable in the electric power mix due to the expensive nature of nuclear power projects. The association also queried the data the author used to base his analysis. The association also queried the data the author used to base his analysis.
Hess told Power Engineering International that the above demonstrates poor understanding of current energy realities in the U.S. and Europe to criticize nuclear costs without mentioning either the distinct benefits of the technology or the distorting effect of existing and exclusive support schemes for renewable generators.
He warned that, as is the case for renewables, society is in danger of losing the benefits of nuclear power if not valued properly. The list of benefits is long and includes enhanced grid stability, less volatile consumer bills, reductions in air pollution, increased energy security through diversification, and economic stimulus to nearby rural communities through the creation of well-paying skilled jobs and taxation.
There is huge scope for nuclear construction costs to fall and indeed the Breakthrough Institute article points to exactly this. It is integral to climate and sustainable development goals that more countries learn from good international practice and realize improvements in nuclear construction performance. In his piece, Smith pointed out that a new nuclear plant in the U.S. costs about $9 billion to build (Not!), more than 1,000 times as much as a new fracking well, and more than 3,000 times as much as the biggest solar plant. He added that the risk of so much up-front costs, but read on.
This article illustrates the issues involved.
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