Pedraza opined in 2009 that it is an undisputed reality that the energy production and their sustained growth constitute indispensable elements ensures the economic and social progress of any country. For this reason, the use of all types of energy available in the country, including nuclear energy, should be included in its energy mix in order to ensure its future economic and social development. However, there are certain factors that need to be considered by the competent authorities of a country during the selection of the most economic energy sources for the generation of electricity. For instance the use of fossil fuels is a major and growing contributor to the emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, while nuclear energy and renewables are almost carbon dioxide free.
Considering the different available energy sources that the world can use now to satisfy the foresee increase in energy demand in the coming years, there should be no doubt that, at least for the next decades, there are only a few realistic options available to reduce further the CO2 emissions as result of the electricity generation. These options are, among others, the following: Increase efficiency in electricity generation and use; expand use of all available renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal, among others, [and only if the large solar and wind projects make sense economically by including realistic costs for operation and maintenance of the system]; massive introduction of new advanced technology like the capture carbon dioxide emissions technology at fossil-fueled (especially coal) electric generating plants, with the purpose to permanently sequester the carbon produced by these plants; increase use of new types of nuclear power reactors that are inherent safe and proliferation risk-free [as were the Type II reactors]; and increase energy saving [in designs throughout all systems].
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