Science is a double-edged sword (CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)
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Nuclear power is often described as “the double-edged sword of science”, reflecting the fact that it can be used for both useful and peaceful purposes as well as deadly and destructive ends. This has never been truer than today. On the one hand, fission technology, in the form of nuclear warfare, still holds the potential to spell the end of mankind; on the other, in the form of abundant carbon-free nuclear energy, it could hold the key to civilisation’s survival.
The past year has brought the dualistic nature of nuclear energy into stark relief: the Ukraine conflict — and the proxy war between the West and Russia playing out in its background — raised again the terrifying spectre of a nuclear conflict between the world’s major superpowers. At the same time, it has renewed interest in atomic energy, as policymakers grapple with an energy “polycrisis” that has profound economic, geopolitical and environmental ramifications.
The period between the mid-Sixties and early Eighties was the golden age of nuclear power: hundreds of reactors were built globally, at a rate of 20-40 new plants a year. Despite growing opposition from environmental groups (often funded by the oil industry) and the general public, largely due to the blurring of nuclear power and nuclear weapons in the latter’s mind, this period was nonetheless characterised by widespread optimism about the potential for nuclear energy to usher in a post-fossil future.
Then, in 1986, the Chernobyl disaster changed everything, instilling in us a comprehensible — but irrational — fear of atomic energy. Nuclear power plant construction plunged, especially in Europe and the US. The incident at Fukushima, in 2011, reinforced those fears, leading not only Japan but also countries such as Germany to begin a phase-out of nuclear energy. With the exception of a few nations — Sweden, France, Finland — investment in nuclear all but ground to a halt in the West.
As of mid-2022, 411 reactors were operating in 33 countries, seven fewer than 1989, and 27 below the 2002 peak of 438. The year before, nuclear energy’s share of global commercial gross electricity generation sunk to 9.8% — the lowest in four decades. Between 2002 and 2021, 98 plants were built (while 105 closed), but more than half of the new constructions took place in a single country: China. Meanwhile, outside of China, there has been a net decline of 57 units over the past 20 years.
Until not too long ago, the fate of nuclear energy seemed to be sealed. Western countries prided themselves in steadily decreasing their CO2 emissions, while increasing their share of renewables, convincing themselves that they could slowly wean themselves off fossil fuels without resorting to nuclear. The reality was quite different. In virtually every country that shut down its nuclear power plants following the post-Fukushima panic, clean energy was replaced mostly with fossil fuels, which polluted the air with their particulates and toxins, increasing cancer and emphysema in the population. Researchers in Germany have estimated the deaths from this switch to be in the thousands each year, or easily more than 10,000 over the past decade.
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SubscribeNothing sums up the modern green movement like electric cars made in questionable working conditions in China that most working people cannot afford and recharged by coal power plants.
Quite. It’s almost as though the actual enivironmental outcomes aren’t the point.
How dare you!
Hush, you ugly little scold!
web search “Greta help line”
web search “Greta help line”
Hush, you ugly little scold!
How dare you!
I love my Bolt EUV, and it can be charged from any energy source. You can buy their EV for 26K. Your remark seems ill-informed, as China is now a leader in green energy, and for 100 years a pioneer in biogas. I will talk nuclear when we have exhausted all biogas conversions throughout US, then I might consider small nuke plants that do not require $1.6 million per mile to run cable to large centralized units, while they tear up the countryside.
What percentage of the fuel market can be filled with biogas? If you have a landfill that services say 100,000 homes, how many of those homes could be heated with biogas?
“China is now a leader in green energy…” Really? Is coal and lignite green?
Just looked up how many coal-fired plants China has built and plans to build. It’s nothing short of astonishing. Coal must now be green. Just like men are women.
China is extremely populous and industrializing rapidly. Therefore, the expanding energy needs are not actually that hard to understand.
The share that is in renewables is increasing. Luckily renewables have become cost competitive even without adjusting for the effective subsidy of free-polluting rights for fossil fuels.
China is extremely populous and industrializing rapidly. Therefore, the expanding energy needs are not actually that hard to understand.
The share that is in renewables is increasing. Luckily renewables have become cost competitive even without adjusting for the effective subsidy of free-polluting rights for fossil fuels.
Just looked up how many coal-fired plants China has built and plans to build. It’s nothing short of astonishing. Coal must now be green. Just like men are women.
China a leader in green energy?
Have you actually been to China recently? Just look around at the pollution from consumer electronics manufacturing and glowing green water running in the sewers. That’s the only prevalent green I saw in around China.
What percentage of the fuel market can be filled with biogas? If you have a landfill that services say 100,000 homes, how many of those homes could be heated with biogas?
“China is now a leader in green energy…” Really? Is coal and lignite green?
China a leader in green energy?
Have you actually been to China recently? Just look around at the pollution from consumer electronics manufacturing and glowing green water running in the sewers. That’s the only prevalent green I saw in around China.
Agreed – though there are plenty of competing realities that also come close, such as straws made out of paper to reduce single-use plastic but – wait for it – wrapped in a plastic wrapper. Or a diesel van towing a diesel generator up the motorway to charge up a stranded electic car.
China is of course famously terrible with pollution. At the same time they continue to make large investments in molten salt solar plants etc. For greenhouse gases, they have historically emitted a fraction of the pollution currently causing planet heating and still only emit about half as much per capita as the United States. Great to keep pressure on them but fairly pointless hypocrisy if the U.S., U.K. etc. are unwilling to do much to reduce their own larger rates of greenhouse pollution.
China is of course famously terrible with pollution. At the same time they continue to make large investments in molten salt solar plants etc. For greenhouse gases, they have historically emitted a fraction of the pollution currently causing planet heating and still only emit about half as much per capita as the United States. Great to keep pressure on them but fairly pointless hypocrisy if the U.S., U.K. etc. are unwilling to do much to reduce their own larger rates of greenhouse pollution.
You are to be commended for your concern for conditions for the workers who produce the equipment needed to use renewable energy.
One would expect that you also might be concerned about the working conditions of those who mine the materials needed for conversion from fossil fuels.
If so, then you should read Judy Pasternak’s YELLOW DIRT, which is about the abuse of Native Americans in the uranium mines on the Navajo reservation. Native Americans and indigenous people in other parts of the world (such as Australia and Africa) have suffered illness and death in order to extract uranium for nuclear weapons and nuclear power. Anyone concerned about working conditions is a step ahead of the entitled proponents of nuclear energy, which is NOT a renewable, depending as it does upon an element which Native Americans historically and rightfully abhorred.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yellow-dirt-judy-pasternak/1101914556?ean=9781416594833
We know nuclear energy isn’t renewable, that’s one of the reasons the people who understand these things actually like it.
Not sure I’ve heard this one. Non-renewable is inherently better because… it leads to higher long-term environmental impact and human impact such as that described above? This some sort of anti-human depopulation perspective?
Not sure I’ve heard this one. Non-renewable is inherently better because… it leads to higher long-term environmental impact and human impact such as that described above? This some sort of anti-human depopulation perspective?
This is the area where I live. Uranium mining deaths took place in the early years of the Cold War, before we developed safe mining techniques and when uranium mining was being pushed by the military to produce warheads for ICBMs.
I am inclined to differ from you on “safe mining techniques,”
Even in this country, they are few, and many of the safety precautions mining companies are supposed to observe are not followed.
https://truthout.org/video/why-we-re-investigating-grand-canyon-uranium/
In other countries, it’s even worse.
https://beyondnuclearinternational.org/2018/10/29/the-real-cost-of-uranium-mining/#comments
I am inclined to differ from you on “safe mining techniques,”
Even in this country, they are few, and many of the safety precautions mining companies are supposed to observe are not followed.
https://truthout.org/video/why-we-re-investigating-grand-canyon-uranium/
In other countries, it’s even worse.
https://beyondnuclearinternational.org/2018/10/29/the-real-cost-of-uranium-mining/#comments
We know nuclear energy isn’t renewable, that’s one of the reasons the people who understand these things actually like it.
This is the area where I live. Uranium mining deaths took place in the early years of the Cold War, before we developed safe mining techniques and when uranium mining was being pushed by the military to produce warheads for ICBMs.
not to mention the perils of mining lithium (and maybe uranium etc) and the growing waste and recycling problem with spent lithium batteries.
A reasonable article but as is common downplays the problems of nuclear plants – security, disposal of waste, sourcing of uranium.I will never understand this – we are not idiots every choice is riddled with risk. It is easy to forget chernobyl shut down Europe as effectively as covid. Fukishima rendered a huge tract of Japan as uninhabitable.Nuclear is one option certainly but to paint it in rose is a disservice.
Quite. It’s almost as though the actual enivironmental outcomes aren’t the point.
I love my Bolt EUV, and it can be charged from any energy source. You can buy their EV for 26K. Your remark seems ill-informed, as China is now a leader in green energy, and for 100 years a pioneer in biogas. I will talk nuclear when we have exhausted all biogas conversions throughout US, then I might consider small nuke plants that do not require $1.6 million per mile to run cable to large centralized units, while they tear up the countryside.
Agreed – though there are plenty of competing realities that also come close, such as straws made out of paper to reduce single-use plastic but – wait for it – wrapped in a plastic wrapper. Or a diesel van towing a diesel generator up the motorway to charge up a stranded electic car.
You are to be commended for your concern for conditions for the workers who produce the equipment needed to use renewable energy.
One would expect that you also might be concerned about the working conditions of those who mine the materials needed for conversion from fossil fuels.
If so, then you should read Judy Pasternak’s YELLOW DIRT, which is about the abuse of Native Americans in the uranium mines on the Navajo reservation. Native Americans and indigenous people in other parts of the world (such as Australia and Africa) have suffered illness and death in order to extract uranium for nuclear weapons and nuclear power. Anyone concerned about working conditions is a step ahead of the entitled proponents of nuclear energy, which is NOT a renewable, depending as it does upon an element which Native Americans historically and rightfully abhorred.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yellow-dirt-judy-pasternak/1101914556?ean=9781416594833
not to mention the perils of mining lithium (and maybe uranium etc) and the growing waste and recycling problem with spent lithium batteries.
A reasonable article but as is common downplays the problems of nuclear plants – security, disposal of waste, sourcing of uranium.I will never understand this – we are not idiots every choice is riddled with risk. It is easy to forget chernobyl shut down Europe as effectively as covid. Fukishima rendered a huge tract of Japan as uninhabitable.Nuclear is one option certainly but to paint it in rose is a disservice.
Nothing sums up the modern green movement like electric cars made in questionable working conditions in China that most working people cannot afford and recharged by coal power plants.
If you really consider CO2 an existential threat, which I am skeptical of, you absolutely have to embrace nuclear. Enviros who oppose nuclear are either stunningly misinformed, or motivated by something other than saving the planet.
“Enviros who oppose nuclear are either stunningly misinformed, or motivated by something other than saving the planet.”
Or in some cases both, given the watermelon thing.
Absolutely agree on both points.
The reason that you can say this is because the mainstream media do not inform people about any nuclear accidents except those which simply cannot be hidden or covered up. Were they to do so, you might understand the seriousness of the problem nuclear reactors pose.
The fact that nuclear reactors have so many layers of protocol, and require a special agency to oversee them (an agency which demonstrably has been “captured” by the nuclear industry) should tell you something.
Suffice to point out that the nuclear industry, through the Price-Waterhouse Act, has made the American taxpayer responsible for insuring the industry. That is because no insurance company will take on the massive, even hideous, risk of insuring an industry that is so dangerous, so poorly regulated and so fraught with accidents.
https://www.johnstonsarchive.net/nuclear/radevents/
Claptrap from start to finish.
Utter nonsense.
Airliners are more complex and more regulated than cars, buses and trains. Yet air travel is statistically the safest of those forms of travel.
The fact that something is technically more challenging and has more regulation does not make it less safe. It’s usually more safe, since so much more time, money and effort goes into designing safety in (e.g. failsafe design, redundancy) and anticipating and minimising risks.
The fact that you are unaware of this and clearly do not understand what you are talking about and are just making up a load of FUD tells us everything we need to know.
The majority of the incidents in the web page you cite appear to be from Russia/the Soviet Union. The Soviet bloc was known to not take safety nearly as seriously as Western countries, so this is a) absolutely no surprise and b) no basis to judge safety in the Western countries.
Since you really don’t know me, I have to say that your insults are simply the result of brainwashing to by the mass media and all the paid proponents of nuclear power. I think I understand well enough the fact that nuclear power was touted in the fifties as promising to be “too cheap to meter.” That effort at propagandizing nuclear power for civilians was launched in order to be able to build reactors to produce the transuranic elements needed in nuclear weapons, and to fob off the costs onto the rate payers.
Suffice to say that the taxpayers also have been left with the tab for insuring these monsters, with the Price-Waterhouse Act.
Some of that cost was recouped, of course, when depleted uranium, formerly regarded as waste, was discovered to be useful for weapons and munitions.
Of course, the waste produce by NPP’s is one of the biggest arguments against proceeding with this technology, which Albert Einstein regarded as a ridiculous way to boil water.
As far as the database I listed, please understand that it is only one of several, and if you took the trouble to look for yourself–an effort you are probably disinclined by your nature to engage in, you would find others.
P.S. Perhaps you are used to talking to people who are simplistic enough to think the more complicated something is, the more likely something is apt to go wrong.
That is not the issue. Nuclear energy is indeed a complex subject, but it is the fact that we are dealing with radioactive material that makes it less safe. It is well known that there is no safe level of radiation. I think you need to study this more for yourself, because you have clearly been duped by the shills of the nuclear industry.
Since you really don’t know me, I have to say that your insults are simply the result of brainwashing to by the mass media and all the paid proponents of nuclear power. I think I understand well enough the fact that nuclear power was touted in the fifties as promising to be “too cheap to meter.” That effort at propagandizing nuclear power for civilians was launched in order to be able to build reactors to produce the transuranic elements needed in nuclear weapons, and to fob off the costs onto the rate payers.
Suffice to say that the taxpayers also have been left with the tab for insuring these monsters, with the Price-Waterhouse Act.
Some of that cost was recouped, of course, when depleted uranium, formerly regarded as waste, was discovered to be useful for weapons and munitions.
Of course, the waste produce by NPP’s is one of the biggest arguments against proceeding with this technology, which Albert Einstein regarded as a ridiculous way to boil water.
As far as the database I listed, please understand that it is only one of several, and if you took the trouble to look for yourself–an effort you are probably disinclined by your nature to engage in, you would find others.
P.S. Perhaps you are used to talking to people who are simplistic enough to think the more complicated something is, the more likely something is apt to go wrong.
That is not the issue. Nuclear energy is indeed a complex subject, but it is the fact that we are dealing with radioactive material that makes it less safe. It is well known that there is no safe level of radiation. I think you need to study this more for yourself, because you have clearly been duped by the shills of the nuclear industry.
You might also want to get your facts right before posting such nonsense. Price Waterhouse is a global accounting firm, nothing to do with the nuclear industry.
I didn’t mention the firm, I mentioned the legislation entitled “the Price Waterhouse ACT.”
Learn to read carefully, and you might be able to get YOUR facts straight.
I didn’t mention the firm, I mentioned the legislation entitled “the Price Waterhouse ACT.”
Learn to read carefully, and you might be able to get YOUR facts straight.
You don’t have earthquake insurance either… If your house gets wrecked by an earthquake, it’s on you….
Claptrap from start to finish.
Utter nonsense.
Airliners are more complex and more regulated than cars, buses and trains. Yet air travel is statistically the safest of those forms of travel.
The fact that something is technically more challenging and has more regulation does not make it less safe. It’s usually more safe, since so much more time, money and effort goes into designing safety in (e.g. failsafe design, redundancy) and anticipating and minimising risks.
The fact that you are unaware of this and clearly do not understand what you are talking about and are just making up a load of FUD tells us everything we need to know.
The majority of the incidents in the web page you cite appear to be from Russia/the Soviet Union. The Soviet bloc was known to not take safety nearly as seriously as Western countries, so this is a) absolutely no surprise and b) no basis to judge safety in the Western countries.
You might also want to get your facts right before posting such nonsense. Price Waterhouse is a global accounting firm, nothing to do with the nuclear industry.
You don’t have earthquake insurance either… If your house gets wrecked by an earthquake, it’s on you….
IPCC and other sources of policy recommendation on greenhouse pollution are generally friendly to nuclear if you read them. The problem is cost, renewables have become too cheap. Ask the green communists in Texas.
Do you really believe, as you imply, that literally heating our own planet with pollution is most likely benign? On what basis? Seems like the kind of thing that would be hard to say out loud and not have it sound like what it is.
“Enviros who oppose nuclear are either stunningly misinformed, or motivated by something other than saving the planet.”
Or in some cases both, given the watermelon thing.
Absolutely agree on both points.
The reason that you can say this is because the mainstream media do not inform people about any nuclear accidents except those which simply cannot be hidden or covered up. Were they to do so, you might understand the seriousness of the problem nuclear reactors pose.
The fact that nuclear reactors have so many layers of protocol, and require a special agency to oversee them (an agency which demonstrably has been “captured” by the nuclear industry) should tell you something.
Suffice to point out that the nuclear industry, through the Price-Waterhouse Act, has made the American taxpayer responsible for insuring the industry. That is because no insurance company will take on the massive, even hideous, risk of insuring an industry that is so dangerous, so poorly regulated and so fraught with accidents.
https://www.johnstonsarchive.net/nuclear/radevents/
IPCC and other sources of policy recommendation on greenhouse pollution are generally friendly to nuclear if you read them. The problem is cost, renewables have become too cheap. Ask the green communists in Texas.
Do you really believe, as you imply, that literally heating our own planet with pollution is most likely benign? On what basis? Seems like the kind of thing that would be hard to say out loud and not have it sound like what it is.
If you really consider CO2 an existential threat, which I am skeptical of, you absolutely have to embrace nuclear. Enviros who oppose nuclear are either stunningly misinformed, or motivated by something other than saving the planet.
I am coming to appreciate Thomas Fazi’s grounded, realistic articles related to environmental topics. Unlike most environmental advocates, he seems to have a firm grasp of what is realistic and what is not and is willing to debate things in the real world without expecting humanity to embrace draconian energy restrictions, a silly headed notion if there ever was one. I remain skeptical that CO2 is an existential threat to our civilization, but I am willing to embrace reasonable plans to reduce fossil fuel usage because, as Fazi points out, the burning of fossil fuels poses other problems as well, especially coal, and the good options like natural gas are not as abundant as the terrible ones, like coal. To further emphasize Fazi’s point about how little waste nuclear plants actually generate, I have a parent who worked in the nuclear industry for many years, who would often tell me that coal power plants generate more radioactive waste than nuclear plants do because of the impurities left over in the ash when the coal is burned. So due to our fear of radioactive waste, we actually produced more radioactive waste. In case you doubt my anecdotal evidence, here’s a lovely article from fifteen years ago explaining this example of human collective stupidity in greater detail. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/coal-ash-is-more-radioactive-than-nuclear-waste/. Granted, both are generally less dangerous than driving to Wal-Mart, but one number is nevertheless tinier than the other. Nuclear power is something that both green advocates and anyone else with a functioning brain should support wholeheartedly.
Well said! But human collective stupidity will, I suspect, keep us on the path to perdition forevermore. The news seems much like watching one of those tedious reality TV programmes aimed at the lowest possible denominator – which seems to be the ability to merely breath. On a positive note, many of us will be dead soon, a prospect which seems less dreadful with every passing day.
At a certain point, enough people will be standing in bus queues instead of driving the car they used to be able to afford, enough people will be holidaying in Britain with memories of Spain, and enough people will be wearing three layers in a cold damp home that used to be warm, that no government can survive by selling more of the same.
At present the Net Zero bandwagon is kept going mainly because most people simply assume that it’ll be everyone who pays for it, somehow. This is not entirely daft, since most people look at their own finances and wonder, with some justification, where exactly would they be getting the money to pay for Net Zero?
The answer is that they won’t be paying cash for it, they’ll be paying in draconian falls in living standards. Once that reality bites – and it’s starting to already – there’s going to be hell to pay.
I fail to see how a drive for lower carbon emissions will lead to ‘draconian falls in living standards’. As I understand it, electricity generation by wind and sun is already cheaper than burning gas or coal, and the article on which we are commenting makes the same claim for nuclear. Renewables are certain to get cheaper as the technology advances (solar panels get cheaper every year and their method of generation continually progresses) and other sources come on stream economically (eg geothermal and tidal power).
Renewables are not workable because we do not have power storage technologies for both predictable periods of no generation (solar at night) or unpredictable periods of no generation (particularly low or high winds).
Renewables are entirely ‘workable’ even if they need back-up from non-renewables or storage – they work very nicely now. And note that new technology is always coming on stream – geothermal energy (there is literally unlimited ‘free’ power not that far beneath your feet!) and tide power will be cracked sooner rather than later. To suggest that we won’t have to entirely give up on fossil fuels at some point in the future (if mankind lasts that long) is obviously false.
“Renewables are entirely ‘workable’ even if they need back-up from non-renewables or storage – they work very nicely now.”
They work very nicely when the wind blows (but not too much) and the sun shines. Battery technology is absolutely nowhere near adequate.
“To suggest that we won’t have to entirely give up on fossil fuels at some point in the future (if mankind lasts that long) is obviously false.”
Who suggested that? Certainly wasn’t me.
Sun and wind currently produce c. one third (v approx figure but the exact one came out this week) of UK electricity over the last year – sounds workable to me!
I didn’t suggest that you suggested it! But to reject electricity produced by renewable energy out of hand obviously does suggest that.
Sun and wind currently produce c. one third (v approx figure but the exact one came out this week) of UK electricity over the last year – sounds workable to me!
I didn’t suggest that you suggested it! But to reject electricity produced by renewable energy out of hand obviously does suggest that.
Tidal power is workable but has been rejected because of cost. This is a theoretical cost where the upfront cost is amortised into a theoretical cost per kwhr.
Yes the current cost is too high, but then the current cost of all nascent technology is too high, until usage, scale and research bring it down. The economics of tidal power will be sorted, it’s just a question of when.
Yes the current cost is too high, but then the current cost of all nascent technology is too high, until usage, scale and research bring it down. The economics of tidal power will be sorted, it’s just a question of when.
“Renewables are entirely ‘workable’ even if they need back-up from non-renewables or storage – they work very nicely now.”
They work very nicely when the wind blows (but not too much) and the sun shines. Battery technology is absolutely nowhere near adequate.
“To suggest that we won’t have to entirely give up on fossil fuels at some point in the future (if mankind lasts that long) is obviously false.”
Who suggested that? Certainly wasn’t me.
Tidal power is workable but has been rejected because of cost. This is a theoretical cost where the upfront cost is amortised into a theoretical cost per kwhr.
Try explaining that to the green communists in Texas.
Even persisting in science denial around greenhouse warming, renewables have just become too cheap. You can leave your dispatchable power sources operational, run renewables the majority of the time when you do have wind/sun, and save money and reduce pollution. It is going to be difficult for the hyperpartisan luddite fringe to completely stop the momentum of the market on this.
Renewables are entirely ‘workable’ even if they need back-up from non-renewables or storage – they work very nicely now. And note that new technology is always coming on stream – geothermal energy (there is literally unlimited ‘free’ power not that far beneath your feet!) and tide power will be cracked sooner rather than later. To suggest that we won’t have to entirely give up on fossil fuels at some point in the future (if mankind lasts that long) is obviously false.
Try explaining that to the green communists in Texas.
Even persisting in science denial around greenhouse warming, renewables have just become too cheap. You can leave your dispatchable power sources operational, run renewables the majority of the time when you do have wind/sun, and save money and reduce pollution. It is going to be difficult for the hyperpartisan luddite fringe to completely stop the momentum of the market on this.
If renewables are cheaper, wouldn’t the world be switching to wind and solar in a meaningful way, without the need for subsidies? The most expensive energy grids in the world are the ones with the deepest penetration of wind and solar.
For every MW of wind and solar, you need another MW of reliable energy as a backup. You basically have to build two energy grids, one based on wind and solar and another when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.
If wind and solar really worked, you would think there would be one electrical grid somewhere in the world based solely on renewables. And there are plenty that have tried, such as El Hierro in the Canary Islands.
You are ignoring the considerable efforts of the fossil fuel industry to prevent the use of renewables, and even to forbid (outlaw) their use.
That is nonsense. The fossil fuel industry is one of the most prominent supporters of renewable energy for the simple reason that it knows that renewable energy is too unreliable to provide baseload power, thus creating a permanent demand for fossil fuel energy.
There literally cannot be a permanent demand for fossil fuel energy, because fossil fuels will run out!
There literally cannot be a permanent demand for fossil fuel energy, because fossil fuels will run out!
“Renewables” are not a viable option for powering a modern society for economic, technical and practicality reasons. There is no getting round the laws of physics.You may not have noticed that the fossil fuel industry is progressing “renewable” generation under the threat of punitive taxes.
Please explain how the ‘laws of physics’ preclude generating 100% of energy from ‘renewables’. It might not be quite practical as yet but it is certainly foreseeable, surely. Or do you think that research into new technology will just standstill where we are today?
There is no reason to think that we can’t develop an economy entirely dependent upon renewables. Sooner or later, ANY economy that relies on extracted resources will run out of same. This includes nuclear energy, which relies upon uranium.
There is no reason to think that we can’t develop an economy entirely dependent upon renewables. Sooner or later, ANY economy that relies on extracted resources will run out of same. This includes nuclear energy, which relies upon uranium.
Please explain how the ‘laws of physics’ preclude generating 100% of energy from ‘renewables’. It might not be quite practical as yet but it is certainly foreseeable, surely. Or do you think that research into new technology will just standstill where we are today?
Enlighten me on these projects. I’m not aware of them. Exxon and Shell spend a lot of money and effort in greenwashing, but I’m not familiar with their anti-renewable campaigns.
That is nonsense. The fossil fuel industry is one of the most prominent supporters of renewable energy for the simple reason that it knows that renewable energy is too unreliable to provide baseload power, thus creating a permanent demand for fossil fuel energy.
“Renewables” are not a viable option for powering a modern society for economic, technical and practicality reasons. There is no getting round the laws of physics.You may not have noticed that the fossil fuel industry is progressing “renewable” generation under the threat of punitive taxes.
Enlighten me on these projects. I’m not aware of them. Exxon and Shell spend a lot of money and effort in greenwashing, but I’m not familiar with their anti-renewable campaigns.
Obviously you need back-up (for now anyway) – but it’s on the same grid not a different one! Whatever the source of electricity it flows along the same grid.
“Whatever the source of electricity it flows along the same grid.”
No actually. If the source reliable and can be varied according to demand, then the grid required to deliver it is far simpler and more efficient than a grid whose primary purpose is to manage intermittency.
So it’s the same grid then, just different. Or do I misunderstand you?
So it’s the same grid then, just different. Or do I misunderstand you?
“Whatever the source of electricity it flows along the same grid.”
No actually. If the source reliable and can be varied according to demand, then the grid required to deliver it is far simpler and more efficient than a grid whose primary purpose is to manage intermittency.
If fossil fuels truly were cheaper, wouldn’t they be a growing rather than shrinking share of new capacity, without the need of expensive special free-polluting rights provided by government (as directed by rent-seeking industry)?
You are ignoring the considerable efforts of the fossil fuel industry to prevent the use of renewables, and even to forbid (outlaw) their use.
Obviously you need back-up (for now anyway) – but it’s on the same grid not a different one! Whatever the source of electricity it flows along the same grid.
If fossil fuels truly were cheaper, wouldn’t they be a growing rather than shrinking share of new capacity, without the need of expensive special free-polluting rights provided by government (as directed by rent-seeking industry)?
“I fail to see how a drive for lower carbon emissions will lead to ‘draconian falls in living standards’.”
I know. It is almost spectacular that you fail to grasp this, but here we are.
I must indeed be stupid.
Since wind and solar power are currently cheaper than fossil fuel produced electricity perhaps you could explain it to me.
Since they’re not cheaper though, I am not going to explain it to you.
The reason the fossil fuel industry and the nuclear power industry have such a grip on our economy has nothing to do with their expense. Nuclear power reactors are prohibitively expensive to build, but the lobby for the industry is powerful, as is the lobby for the fossil fuel industry. This is why we have news articles in our supposedly free speech democracy which overwhelm us with “facts” to convince us that renewables are silly and useless and that people who advocate for them fail to understand this.
Funny how stupid people in places like Europe are! Over there, they even think they should learn from disasters like Sellafield!
Is this the same Europe that is suffering the worst energy crisis since the ‘70s because of their reliance on renewables and divestment of fossil fuels? Europe is literally the case study in why renewables are a failure.
Is this the same Europe that is suffering the worst energy crisis since the ‘70s because of their reliance on renewables and divestment of fossil fuels? Europe is literally the case study in why renewables are a failure.
They can not possibly be cheaper because they require another energy generation method to cover periods when green stuff produces big fat zero.
So whatever the cost of alternative energy sources, it just adds to cost of green energy.
Therefore, total will always be greater than just cost of non green energy generation methods.
You might believe in green energy for variety of reason but lower cost is not one of them.
Since they’re not cheaper though, I am not going to explain it to you.
The reason the fossil fuel industry and the nuclear power industry have such a grip on our economy has nothing to do with their expense. Nuclear power reactors are prohibitively expensive to build, but the lobby for the industry is powerful, as is the lobby for the fossil fuel industry. This is why we have news articles in our supposedly free speech democracy which overwhelm us with “facts” to convince us that renewables are silly and useless and that people who advocate for them fail to understand this.
Funny how stupid people in places like Europe are! Over there, they even think they should learn from disasters like Sellafield!
They can not possibly be cheaper because they require another energy generation method to cover periods when green stuff produces big fat zero.
So whatever the cost of alternative energy sources, it just adds to cost of green energy.
Therefore, total will always be greater than just cost of non green energy generation methods.
You might believe in green energy for variety of reason but lower cost is not one of them.
I must indeed be stupid.
Since wind and solar power are currently cheaper than fossil fuel produced electricity perhaps you could explain it to me.
Renewables are not workable because we do not have power storage technologies for both predictable periods of no generation (solar at night) or unpredictable periods of no generation (particularly low or high winds).
If renewables are cheaper, wouldn’t the world be switching to wind and solar in a meaningful way, without the need for subsidies? The most expensive energy grids in the world are the ones with the deepest penetration of wind and solar.
For every MW of wind and solar, you need another MW of reliable energy as a backup. You basically have to build two energy grids, one based on wind and solar and another when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.
If wind and solar really worked, you would think there would be one electrical grid somewhere in the world based solely on renewables. And there are plenty that have tried, such as El Hierro in the Canary Islands.
“I fail to see how a drive for lower carbon emissions will lead to ‘draconian falls in living standards’.”
I know. It is almost spectacular that you fail to grasp this, but here we are.
I fail to see how a drive for lower carbon emissions will lead to ‘draconian falls in living standards’. As I understand it, electricity generation by wind and sun is already cheaper than burning gas or coal, and the article on which we are commenting makes the same claim for nuclear. Renewables are certain to get cheaper as the technology advances (solar panels get cheaper every year and their method of generation continually progresses) and other sources come on stream economically (eg geothermal and tidal power).
Do you imagine it was “human collective stupidity” that led to understanding of Stefan–Boltzmann and radiative transfer theory, the latter among the most productive physical theories of the past century? Unlocking various secrets of the universe including that of planetary temperature and the connection between global warming and greenhouse gases. And leading to four decades now of successful prediction of the literal heating of our planet.
At a certain point, enough people will be standing in bus queues instead of driving the car they used to be able to afford, enough people will be holidaying in Britain with memories of Spain, and enough people will be wearing three layers in a cold damp home that used to be warm, that no government can survive by selling more of the same.
At present the Net Zero bandwagon is kept going mainly because most people simply assume that it’ll be everyone who pays for it, somehow. This is not entirely daft, since most people look at their own finances and wonder, with some justification, where exactly would they be getting the money to pay for Net Zero?
The answer is that they won’t be paying cash for it, they’ll be paying in draconian falls in living standards. Once that reality bites – and it’s starting to already – there’s going to be hell to pay.
Do you imagine it was “human collective stupidity” that led to understanding of Stefan–Boltzmann and radiative transfer theory, the latter among the most productive physical theories of the past century? Unlocking various secrets of the universe including that of planetary temperature and the connection between global warming and greenhouse gases. And leading to four decades now of successful prediction of the literal heating of our planet.
Driving to Walmart isn’t the problem. It’s whether you survive the shop.
Back in the eighties I worked as a civil service scientist on feasibility studies into methods of disposal of nuclear waste – the two methods we researched were storage in mines in geologically stable rock and remotely deployed storage deep in geologically stable seabed.
I couldn’t believe at the time that anyone would consider deploying waste inside (unrecoverable) torpedoes embedded deep in the seabed for hundreds of years could ever have been feasible, or even acceptable – but doing the offshore research made for a few fun ocean trips, including to the Caribbean. I think someone conned the government to get funding for seabed research really.
The mine research, the obvious option, involved a new technique called ‘hydraulic fracturing’ to measure the direction of potential cracks in the stable rock where the waste could leak. I should have joined the oil industry in retrospect.
Well said! But human collective stupidity will, I suspect, keep us on the path to perdition forevermore. The news seems much like watching one of those tedious reality TV programmes aimed at the lowest possible denominator – which seems to be the ability to merely breath. On a positive note, many of us will be dead soon, a prospect which seems less dreadful with every passing day.
Driving to Walmart isn’t the problem. It’s whether you survive the shop.
Back in the eighties I worked as a civil service scientist on feasibility studies into methods of disposal of nuclear waste – the two methods we researched were storage in mines in geologically stable rock and remotely deployed storage deep in geologically stable seabed.
I couldn’t believe at the time that anyone would consider deploying waste inside (unrecoverable) torpedoes embedded deep in the seabed for hundreds of years could ever have been feasible, or even acceptable – but doing the offshore research made for a few fun ocean trips, including to the Caribbean. I think someone conned the government to get funding for seabed research really.
The mine research, the obvious option, involved a new technique called ‘hydraulic fracturing’ to measure the direction of potential cracks in the stable rock where the waste could leak. I should have joined the oil industry in retrospect.
I am coming to appreciate Thomas Fazi’s grounded, realistic articles related to environmental topics. Unlike most environmental advocates, he seems to have a firm grasp of what is realistic and what is not and is willing to debate things in the real world without expecting humanity to embrace draconian energy restrictions, a silly headed notion if there ever was one. I remain skeptical that CO2 is an existential threat to our civilization, but I am willing to embrace reasonable plans to reduce fossil fuel usage because, as Fazi points out, the burning of fossil fuels poses other problems as well, especially coal, and the good options like natural gas are not as abundant as the terrible ones, like coal. To further emphasize Fazi’s point about how little waste nuclear plants actually generate, I have a parent who worked in the nuclear industry for many years, who would often tell me that coal power plants generate more radioactive waste than nuclear plants do because of the impurities left over in the ash when the coal is burned. So due to our fear of radioactive waste, we actually produced more radioactive waste. In case you doubt my anecdotal evidence, here’s a lovely article from fifteen years ago explaining this example of human collective stupidity in greater detail. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/coal-ash-is-more-radioactive-than-nuclear-waste/. Granted, both are generally less dangerous than driving to Wal-Mart, but one number is nevertheless tinier than the other. Nuclear power is something that both green advocates and anyone else with a functioning brain should support wholeheartedly.
Well of course.
The only actual ‘problem’ is that it solves an issue that a great many people with power and influence are either a) directly profiting from being there, or b) want to be there because it serves as an exquisite trojan horse to smuggle in all sorts of measures that the public would never normally accept; Authoritarian dictats that – far from actually ‘saving the planet’ – serve merely as (and we can see this everywhere) scaffolding upon which to build a completely new, utterly top-down-controlled society, while at the same time destroying the means or motivation for any other system to rival it.
It’s surely no coincidence that those apparently most hysterial about the climate ‘crisis’ – or those most frequently found trying to convince everyone else of it – are also lifelong leftists, who have historically dedicated much of their time fantasizing about the destruction of capitalism and the installation of worldwide socialism / communism.
Your diagnosis is of course right on target.
What has always fascinated me about the people who want to do this is that I can’t understand why they actually want it? What on earth do they get out of a totalitarian society in which liberty is dead, wealth is a crime and fear and paranoia dominate life? They say, of course, that it won’t be like that, but nobody with any sense believes them, and it is surely obvious that they know themselves it’s not true.
You only have to look at the way idiots like Jeremy Corbyn and his followers applaud modern Venezuela to know that hardship, fear and oppression isn’t a dealbreaker as far as they’re concerned. Yes, I realise that they themselves once in power will be just fine, but that’s not the point: they are lying to the rest of us about what they’d do if we let them, we know they’re lying, and they know we know they’re lying.
So what the hell do they think they’re doing?
I was born under communism and abviously yours and JJ post are mostly correct.
However, speaking to far lefties over 35 years in UK, I am persuaded that they really believe that version of communism they create would be much better than all previous attempts.
Stock phrase is: “Communist ideas are right but they were wrongly implemented ”
They struggle to explain in detail why so many attempts in different parts of the world to build Communism always failed.
Then I would say that the far lefties in question ought to be treated as religious fundamentalists and put on an extremists register of some sort.
They are fundamentalists. I had the misfortune to share a flat with such people in the year or two after university. To give some insight, they actually believed that if everyone thought like them, you would have abundance of food (and everyone would be vegan); natural order with every individual fitting into a niche in society with no hierarchy; no crime, because all you would need is free and you could use talking therapy to re-educate the occasional transgressor. They really believed this. To say that they were ducking mad would be an understatement. From what I hear (and I try not to hear much), all have lived an adult life characterised by unemployment benefits, alcoholism and mental illness.
They are fundamentalists. I had the misfortune to share a flat with such people in the year or two after university. To give some insight, they actually believed that if everyone thought like them, you would have abundance of food (and everyone would be vegan); natural order with every individual fitting into a niche in society with no hierarchy; no crime, because all you would need is free and you could use talking therapy to re-educate the occasional transgressor. They really believed this. To say that they were ducking mad would be an understatement. From what I hear (and I try not to hear much), all have lived an adult life characterised by unemployment benefits, alcoholism and mental illness.
Then I would say that the far lefties in question ought to be treated as religious fundamentalists and put on an extremists register of some sort.
“What has always fascinated me about the people who want to do this is that I can’t understand why they actually want it? What on earth do they get out of a totalitarian society in which liberty is dead”
Like watching people struggle to free themselves from a paper bag.
“But it makes no sense why the entire scientific world collaborates in this hoax to impose global tyranny!”
You are right John, it makes no sense. It’s almost as if you have made some comically implausible assumptions in forming your conspiracy world view.
I was born under communism and abviously yours and JJ post are mostly correct.
However, speaking to far lefties over 35 years in UK, I am persuaded that they really believe that version of communism they create would be much better than all previous attempts.
Stock phrase is: “Communist ideas are right but they were wrongly implemented ”
They struggle to explain in detail why so many attempts in different parts of the world to build Communism always failed.
“What has always fascinated me about the people who want to do this is that I can’t understand why they actually want it? What on earth do they get out of a totalitarian society in which liberty is dead”
Like watching people struggle to free themselves from a paper bag.
“But it makes no sense why the entire scientific world collaborates in this hoax to impose global tyranny!”
You are right John, it makes no sense. It’s almost as if you have made some comically implausible assumptions in forming your conspiracy world view.
Recite the hymnals brother. Science and reason are but the tools of the continuing communist threat. Fourier kicked off this multi-century program in communist world domination in 1827 with his speculation of a mythical “greenhouse effect” caused by “infrared radiation” we conveniently cannot see.
Your diagnosis is of course right on target.
What has always fascinated me about the people who want to do this is that I can’t understand why they actually want it? What on earth do they get out of a totalitarian society in which liberty is dead, wealth is a crime and fear and paranoia dominate life? They say, of course, that it won’t be like that, but nobody with any sense believes them, and it is surely obvious that they know themselves it’s not true.
You only have to look at the way idiots like Jeremy Corbyn and his followers applaud modern Venezuela to know that hardship, fear and oppression isn’t a dealbreaker as far as they’re concerned. Yes, I realise that they themselves once in power will be just fine, but that’s not the point: they are lying to the rest of us about what they’d do if we let them, we know they’re lying, and they know we know they’re lying.
So what the hell do they think they’re doing?
Recite the hymnals brother. Science and reason are but the tools of the continuing communist threat. Fourier kicked off this multi-century program in communist world domination in 1827 with his speculation of a mythical “greenhouse effect” caused by “infrared radiation” we conveniently cannot see.
Well of course.
The only actual ‘problem’ is that it solves an issue that a great many people with power and influence are either a) directly profiting from being there, or b) want to be there because it serves as an exquisite trojan horse to smuggle in all sorts of measures that the public would never normally accept; Authoritarian dictats that – far from actually ‘saving the planet’ – serve merely as (and we can see this everywhere) scaffolding upon which to build a completely new, utterly top-down-controlled society, while at the same time destroying the means or motivation for any other system to rival it.
It’s surely no coincidence that those apparently most hysterial about the climate ‘crisis’ – or those most frequently found trying to convince everyone else of it – are also lifelong leftists, who have historically dedicated much of their time fantasizing about the destruction of capitalism and the installation of worldwide socialism / communism.
“The reason nuclear energy is largely absent from the decarbonisation debate is that the latter is based on a falsehood: that we can generate all the world’s energy needs from renewable sources — primarily wind and solar power. This has become a mantra for much of the climate movement, but it’s a delusion.”
It’s worse than a delusion, it is a deliberate lie. The intent at this stage is very obviously not that renewables will replace fossil fuel energy, but that energy in general will become much, much more scarce and expensive. The intent is that the majority of us lose our high-energy lifestyles involving motorised travel as and when we want it, and homes heated to as warm as we want.
This might sound like a conspiracy theory, but there is simply no way that the people peddling this nonsense don’t know that what they’re selling is impossible: of course they know that renewables cannot replace fossil fuels. So it must follow that they know that draconian limits on personal access to energy is the only option.
And also seconded.
The desire to move from gas to heat pumps is another clue as this is another unworkable solution without a corresponding huge increase in electricity generation to support it.
Perhaps you could explain. Are you saying that ground/air source heat pumps use more energy (however that is measured) than a corresponding use of gas or electricity to produce the same amount of heat (however that is measured)? Please link to a reputable source for those figures as they would interest me greatly.
Er. Gas powered boilers use pumped gas as its source of energy. Heat pumps use electricity. Removing the gas supply line to homes means it must be replaced by additional electricity generation to take up the new shortfall.
Indeed, if you are talking about buildings which have a mains gas supply – and plenty don’t. But which is more efficient at generating heat, gas to heat direct or gas to generate electricity to prime a heat source pump? I don’t know the answer but apparently you do, so what is it?
Again, where did I make a claim regarding efficiency? My point was a simple one, removing the gas supply means a proportionate increase is necessary in electricity generation.
Again, where did I make a claim regarding efficiency? My point was a simple one, removing the gas supply means a proportionate increase is necessary in electricity generation.
Indeed, if you are talking about buildings which have a mains gas supply – and plenty don’t. But which is more efficient at generating heat, gas to heat direct or gas to generate electricity to prime a heat source pump? I don’t know the answer but apparently you do, so what is it?
Er. Gas powered boilers use pumped gas as its source of energy. Heat pumps use electricity. Removing the gas supply line to homes means it must be replaced by additional electricity generation to take up the new shortfall.
Perhaps you could explain. Are you saying that ground/air source heat pumps use more energy (however that is measured) than a corresponding use of gas or electricity to produce the same amount of heat (however that is measured)? Please link to a reputable source for those figures as they would interest me greatly.
The auto industry, not least the major German OEMs have ultra low emission internal combustion engines able to run on a variety of liquid fuels all ready to go, but are cowed by the green tree hugger sandaloids
As I understand it, low emission is not the same as low carbon usage as it refers to pollutants not carbon. Am I mistaken?
As I understand it, low emission is not the same as low carbon usage as it refers to pollutants not carbon. Am I mistaken?
Fossil fuels will run out at some point so they have to be replaced! Renewable sources of energy are constantly under development, and will get cheaper and better sooner rather than later.
Which is the argument for nuclear power, not renewable energy. As for the final claim in your comment I suggest you re-read the article, and if that doesn’t persuade you that you’re wrong, read Bjorn Lomborg’s latest book, or the one by Michael Shellenberger.
Renewable energy can never be any more than a cottage industry in terms of utility-scale energy. The numbers don’t add up and unfortunately for those who think more innovation will help, it’s the hard limits set by the laws of physics that are getting in the way here.
Nor do the numbers add up in terms of producing the amount of minerals that will be required to achieve Net Zero, as this remarkable presentation shows.
https://youtu.be/MBVmnKuBocc
Wind and solar power are currently cheaper than fossil fuel produced electricity and produce c.one third of the UK’s electricity – hardly a cottage industry! Please explain to my ignorant self (I didn’t do much science) how the laws of physics prevent improving wind and solar power, and stop developing geothermal and tidal power to become economic. Surely these sources are all ‘better’ than nuclear power since they are genuinely renewable and do not pose the same safety and waste disposal issues – which doesn’t mean that nuclear doesn’t have a place given current technology.
Its utter ignorance to believe wind and solar can replace coal or nuclear as base load capacity (and pls read yourself what that means).
Nuclear, coal and Hydel are substitutes.
Wind, Solar are substitutes.
The two sets are very different from each other.
Here is a simple explanation: nuclear and coal produce the same output, irrespective of weather, sunshine, time of day.
That’s also why the government is so desperate to pretend Biomass is “clean”. That’s because biomass can serve as base load. It’s a different matter that its more polluting and CO2 emitting than coal.
So many questions. How can wind and solar be cheaper than fossil fuels if it requires fossil fuels as a backup? Why do jurisdictions with the deepest penetration of renewables have the highest power prices in the world? Why do renewables require subsidies if they are so cheap?
“Wind and solar power are currently cheaper than fossil fuel produced electricity and produce c.one third of the UK’s electricity….”
Sorry, I’m not getting into a debate with someone who mindlessly peddles propaganda at me. This claim you’ve made here is simply not true, and if you take the trouble to research it, you will discove this for yourself.
Its utter ignorance to believe wind and solar can replace coal or nuclear as base load capacity (and pls read yourself what that means).
Nuclear, coal and Hydel are substitutes.
Wind, Solar are substitutes.
The two sets are very different from each other.
Here is a simple explanation: nuclear and coal produce the same output, irrespective of weather, sunshine, time of day.
That’s also why the government is so desperate to pretend Biomass is “clean”. That’s because biomass can serve as base load. It’s a different matter that its more polluting and CO2 emitting than coal.
So many questions. How can wind and solar be cheaper than fossil fuels if it requires fossil fuels as a backup? Why do jurisdictions with the deepest penetration of renewables have the highest power prices in the world? Why do renewables require subsidies if they are so cheap?
“Wind and solar power are currently cheaper than fossil fuel produced electricity and produce c.one third of the UK’s electricity….”
Sorry, I’m not getting into a debate with someone who mindlessly peddles propaganda at me. This claim you’ve made here is simply not true, and if you take the trouble to research it, you will discove this for yourself.
Nor do the numbers add up in terms of producing the amount of minerals that will be required to achieve Net Zero, as this remarkable presentation shows.
https://youtu.be/MBVmnKuBocc
Wind and solar power are currently cheaper than fossil fuel produced electricity and produce c.one third of the UK’s electricity – hardly a cottage industry! Please explain to my ignorant self (I didn’t do much science) how the laws of physics prevent improving wind and solar power, and stop developing geothermal and tidal power to become economic. Surely these sources are all ‘better’ than nuclear power since they are genuinely renewable and do not pose the same safety and waste disposal issues – which doesn’t mean that nuclear doesn’t have a place given current technology.
Which is the argument for nuclear power, not renewable energy. As for the final claim in your comment I suggest you re-read the article, and if that doesn’t persuade you that you’re wrong, read Bjorn Lomborg’s latest book, or the one by Michael Shellenberger.
Renewable energy can never be any more than a cottage industry in terms of utility-scale energy. The numbers don’t add up and unfortunately for those who think more innovation will help, it’s the hard limits set by the laws of physics that are getting in the way here.
And also seconded.
The desire to move from gas to heat pumps is another clue as this is another unworkable solution without a corresponding huge increase in electricity generation to support it.
The auto industry, not least the major German OEMs have ultra low emission internal combustion engines able to run on a variety of liquid fuels all ready to go, but are cowed by the green tree hugger sandaloids
Fossil fuels will run out at some point so they have to be replaced! Renewable sources of energy are constantly under development, and will get cheaper and better sooner rather than later.
“The reason nuclear energy is largely absent from the decarbonisation debate is that the latter is based on a falsehood: that we can generate all the world’s energy needs from renewable sources — primarily wind and solar power. This has become a mantra for much of the climate movement, but it’s a delusion.”
It’s worse than a delusion, it is a deliberate lie. The intent at this stage is very obviously not that renewables will replace fossil fuel energy, but that energy in general will become much, much more scarce and expensive. The intent is that the majority of us lose our high-energy lifestyles involving motorised travel as and when we want it, and homes heated to as warm as we want.
This might sound like a conspiracy theory, but there is simply no way that the people peddling this nonsense don’t know that what they’re selling is impossible: of course they know that renewables cannot replace fossil fuels. So it must follow that they know that draconian limits on personal access to energy is the only option.
We’ve known for some time that the radiation dangers from the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters have been massively overstated. But I thought it would be worth a quick look at the effects of all those above-ground nuclear tests done in Nevada in the 1950s, before the dangers of radioactive contamination were fully understood.
This was a time when no safety measures were taken at all, so millions of Americans were exposed to high levels of radioactive material over the course of a decade. A quick web search reveals that between 10,000 and 75,000 cases of thyroid cancer could be attributed to the weapons test exposure (note the colossal uncertainty in the range between those two numbers), and 1800 leukaemia deaths.
Now, this is of course tragic for anyone so affected, but the focus of this particular discussion is to ask how scared should we really be of nuclear power stations, even if one of them does blow up once in a while? In the present day, we are tolerating over 7millions deaths per year related to pollution generally. At least half that figure, admittedly, is due to indoor smoke inhalation in poor countries where open fires are used for cooking, but the rest is first-world stuff.
In the UK the figure is 28,000-36,000 deaths a year attributable to air pollution. What the UK is doing is tolerating – each year – over 10 times the total number of radiation-leukaemia deaths from a decade of Nevada nuclear bomb bomb-testing, just because the deaths in question don’t come from nuclear power.
And we’re not even proposing to actually start letting off nuclear bombs anyway, we just want to build nuclear power stations!
We’ve known for some time that the radiation dangers from the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters have been massively overstated. But I thought it would be worth a quick look at the effects of all those above-ground nuclear tests done in Nevada in the 1950s, before the dangers of radioactive contamination were fully understood.
This was a time when no safety measures were taken at all, so millions of Americans were exposed to high levels of radioactive material over the course of a decade. A quick web search reveals that between 10,000 and 75,000 cases of thyroid cancer could be attributed to the weapons test exposure (note the colossal uncertainty in the range between those two numbers), and 1800 leukaemia deaths.
Now, this is of course tragic for anyone so affected, but the focus of this particular discussion is to ask how scared should we really be of nuclear power stations, even if one of them does blow up once in a while? In the present day, we are tolerating over 7millions deaths per year related to pollution generally. At least half that figure, admittedly, is due to indoor smoke inhalation in poor countries where open fires are used for cooking, but the rest is first-world stuff.
In the UK the figure is 28,000-36,000 deaths a year attributable to air pollution. What the UK is doing is tolerating – each year – over 10 times the total number of radiation-leukaemia deaths from a decade of Nevada nuclear bomb bomb-testing, just because the deaths in question don’t come from nuclear power.
And we’re not even proposing to actually start letting off nuclear bombs anyway, we just want to build nuclear power stations!
The late James Ephraim LOVELOCK, CH CBE FRS (26 July 1919 – 26 July 2022), onetime ‘high priest’ of the Green Cult and author of the seminal GAIA Hypothesis, was saying all this years ago!
All too predictably he was jettisoned from the Green Cult, and denied the Knighthood which some thought he rightly deserved.
I actually have his book Gaia. I had to use it for an environmental science course I did home ed about 15 years ago (no lab required you see), it pretty much formed the basis of the course, I remember being quite taken with it actually, I haven’t come across his name for a long while, sounds like that’s why! At the time he was all the rage. I didn’t know they had treated him like that.
I acquired this book many years ago. It is definitely worth reading. Lovelock was a visionary and was confident Mother Earth would survive the impact of a human population that is out of control!
Thanks, I might dig it out again, its a fair time since I read it, his idea of looking at the earth as whole, self regulating system was very interesting.
His autobiography is well worth a read as well.
I was astonished that he died on his very birthday at 103!
Good man.
I was astonished that he died on his very birthday at 103!
Good man.
His autobiography is well worth a read as well.
Thanks, I might dig it out again, its a fair time since I read it, his idea of looking at the earth as whole, self regulating system was very interesting.
I acquired this book many years ago. It is definitely worth reading. Lovelock was a visionary and was confident Mother Earth would survive the impact of a human population that is out of control!
I actually have his book Gaia. I had to use it for an environmental science course I did home ed about 15 years ago (no lab required you see), it pretty much formed the basis of the course, I remember being quite taken with it actually, I haven’t come across his name for a long while, sounds like that’s why! At the time he was all the rage. I didn’t know they had treated him like that.
The late James Ephraim LOVELOCK, CH CBE FRS (26 July 1919 – 26 July 2022), onetime ‘high priest’ of the Green Cult and author of the seminal GAIA Hypothesis, was saying all this years ago!
All too predictably he was jettisoned from the Green Cult, and denied the Knighthood which some thought he rightly deserved.
Fourth gen thorium power stations is the way forward for me (breakthroughs in nuclear fusion notwithstanding) but has been ignored due to the higher initial costs.
It’s a damning indictment of our national attitude to infrastructure. Cheap short term options always win out and people regard this as being unimportant until there’s a problem.
China look to be the first country to online a thorium power station and Boris’ pitch to move in that direction depended on Chinese investment and involvement (again). And this is the other part of the problem we have, the expansion of university attendance has not had a proportional increase in STEM graduates, leaving us short on the skills necessary for these kinds of projects.
Seconded.
Seconded.
Fourth gen thorium power stations is the way forward for me (breakthroughs in nuclear fusion notwithstanding) but has been ignored due to the higher initial costs.
It’s a damning indictment of our national attitude to infrastructure. Cheap short term options always win out and people regard this as being unimportant until there’s a problem.
China look to be the first country to online a thorium power station and Boris’ pitch to move in that direction depended on Chinese investment and involvement (again). And this is the other part of the problem we have, the expansion of university attendance has not had a proportional increase in STEM graduates, leaving us short on the skills necessary for these kinds of projects.
I suppose all fear is irrational. That doesn’t mean its irrational to be concerned. I completely accept the argument that nuclear energy is the only option available to us to replace fossil fuels. But the future ahead of us – with a massive proliferation of nuclear power plants – is fraught with peril. To date we have been incredibly careful with nuclear power, but as it proliferates, we will get more careless. Corners will be cut. Impressive safety records will be used to justify lower standards. Complicated technologies will be handed to poorly trained people who don’t know how to run it or maintain it. The content of radioactive material in the atmosphere will only grow with each mishap – perhaps to a point where it starts to pose a major threat that we can do nothing about but breathe it in and hope for the best. And that’s without a war or terrorist incident – you can be sure the nuclear plants and storage sites will be prime targets in every little war that comes along in all the unstable parts of the world. Did you know that its impossible to make steel today that’s as hard as it was 100 years ago, simply because of the radioactivity in the atmosphere now? All sorts of unknown unknowns out there – please forgive me if I continue to worry.
Do you have a link to that, please?
I knew that pre-1945 steel was sought after for making sensitive radiation detecting equipment. I have no knowledge of steel hardness being compromised.
The impact on hardness is miniscule (I didn’t suggest otherwise) – as you point out the biggest practical issue has been related to uses involving radiation detection. Resulting in a market for old steel manufactured before the 1940s. The point is that radioactivity doesn’t go away – it just builds up in the environment. And before you jump down my throat again – yes I know atmospheric levels have dropped recently – that just means its settled onto the sea floor. 100 years ago people would have laughed at you if you pointed out the impact of increased carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels – fast forward to a world with billions of cars etc. and it starts to add up. What do you think will happen when there are tens of thousands of nuclear reactors and waste dumps all over the planet. Not right away – but wait a few decades and mankind will have its next extinction level event to worry about.
OK, I wasn’t jumping down your throat. I was politely seeking information.
I don’t know why you were given a down vote, so I’ve given you an ‘up’ to cancel it out.
OK, I wasn’t jumping down your throat. I was politely seeking information.
I don’t know why you were given a down vote, so I’ve given you an ‘up’ to cancel it out.
The impact on hardness is miniscule (I didn’t suggest otherwise) – as you point out the biggest practical issue has been related to uses involving radiation detection. Resulting in a market for old steel manufactured before the 1940s. The point is that radioactivity doesn’t go away – it just builds up in the environment. And before you jump down my throat again – yes I know atmospheric levels have dropped recently – that just means its settled onto the sea floor. 100 years ago people would have laughed at you if you pointed out the impact of increased carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels – fast forward to a world with billions of cars etc. and it starts to add up. What do you think will happen when there are tens of thousands of nuclear reactors and waste dumps all over the planet. Not right away – but wait a few decades and mankind will have its next extinction level event to worry about.
I think it’s more accurate to say fear is nonrational, but not therefore unreasonable or unwarranted. Fear needn’t be panicked or obsessive and can help motivate one to change, leave, or avoid dangerous situations in a way that detached or purely logical calculation won’t do for most people. It might make sense and not be at odds with rational conclusions to be frightened or worried, though not to cower in fear or be plagued with anxiety.
I readily forgive you for continuing to worry. I’m worried about the colossal real and potential fallouts of the worst nuclear disasters too, in a way that continues, though not on a continuous or continual basis.
I worry far more about a senile world leader accidentally escalating us into WW3.
Understandable enough, but I think the former prez was likelier to go nuclear on his own, both figuratively and in the apocalyptic way, than the current dude. Biden has some sharp and sane people around him, that he listens to and respects–less the case with Trump. Hope Putin has a few sober people he secretly listens to and respects.
Understandable enough, but I think the former prez was likelier to go nuclear on his own, both figuratively and in the apocalyptic way, than the current dude. Biden has some sharp and sane people around him, that he listens to and respects–less the case with Trump. Hope Putin has a few sober people he secretly listens to and respects.
I worry far more about a senile world leader accidentally escalating us into WW3.
I don’t think your fears are irrational at all. I think they are simply good judgment, just like a parent who doesn’t want his child to associate with other kids who experiment with hard drugs.
What I am afraid you fail to realize, though, is that the scenarios you hypothesize as the future of nuclear power plants are HAPPENING RIGHT NOW. The fact is, nuclear power plants are poorly constructed and corners are cut in their operations RIGHT NOW. Radioactive material is leaching into the water and being spewed into the air RIGHT NOW. Nuclear power plants and storage facilities are not sufficiently hardened to withstand terrorist threats RIGHT NOW.
It is really painful to face this. In fact, when I began learning the truth about all things nuclear–including depleted uranium–many years ago when DU was being used in Iraq, it terrified me.
But we have to face reality. Native Americans knew uranium to be dangerous–corn was good and uranium was bad. If we continue to use it, we will leave a legacy for our children for which they will curse us.
Do you have a link to that, please?
I knew that pre-1945 steel was sought after for making sensitive radiation detecting equipment. I have no knowledge of steel hardness being compromised.
I think it’s more accurate to say fear is nonrational, but not therefore unreasonable or unwarranted. Fear needn’t be panicked or obsessive and can help motivate one to change, leave, or avoid dangerous situations in a way that detached or purely logical calculation won’t do for most people. It might make sense and not be at odds with rational conclusions to be frightened or worried, though not to cower in fear or be plagued with anxiety.
I readily forgive you for continuing to worry. I’m worried about the colossal real and potential fallouts of the worst nuclear disasters too, in a way that continues, though not on a continuous or continual basis.
I don’t think your fears are irrational at all. I think they are simply good judgment, just like a parent who doesn’t want his child to associate with other kids who experiment with hard drugs.
What I am afraid you fail to realize, though, is that the scenarios you hypothesize as the future of nuclear power plants are HAPPENING RIGHT NOW. The fact is, nuclear power plants are poorly constructed and corners are cut in their operations RIGHT NOW. Radioactive material is leaching into the water and being spewed into the air RIGHT NOW. Nuclear power plants and storage facilities are not sufficiently hardened to withstand terrorist threats RIGHT NOW.
It is really painful to face this. In fact, when I began learning the truth about all things nuclear–including depleted uranium–many years ago when DU was being used in Iraq, it terrified me.
But we have to face reality. Native Americans knew uranium to be dangerous–corn was good and uranium was bad. If we continue to use it, we will leave a legacy for our children for which they will curse us.
I suppose all fear is irrational. That doesn’t mean its irrational to be concerned. I completely accept the argument that nuclear energy is the only option available to us to replace fossil fuels. But the future ahead of us – with a massive proliferation of nuclear power plants – is fraught with peril. To date we have been incredibly careful with nuclear power, but as it proliferates, we will get more careless. Corners will be cut. Impressive safety records will be used to justify lower standards. Complicated technologies will be handed to poorly trained people who don’t know how to run it or maintain it. The content of radioactive material in the atmosphere will only grow with each mishap – perhaps to a point where it starts to pose a major threat that we can do nothing about but breathe it in and hope for the best. And that’s without a war or terrorist incident – you can be sure the nuclear plants and storage sites will be prime targets in every little war that comes along in all the unstable parts of the world. Did you know that its impossible to make steel today that’s as hard as it was 100 years ago, simply because of the radioactivity in the atmosphere now? All sorts of unknown unknowns out there – please forgive me if I continue to worry.
Another thought-provoking piece from Thomas Fazi, one of Unherd’s best writers.
There seems to be a classic cognitive bias at play in the response to nuclear power: an irrational fear of a short term, but highly unlikely, catastrophe set against an equally irrational shoulder-shrugging attitiude towards an almost certain, but slightly delayed, catastrophe (in this case climate change / air pollution which will have a devastating impact on humanity). One can’t help thinking of the heavy smoker who refused to board an airplane for fear it would crash and kill him.
And yet…..given the net drop in the competence and quality of our leaders, can we really trust them to tell us the truth? Is that nuclear site really safe for those living nearby? Are the safety protocols being properly respected? Are the protocols even worth the paper they’re written on? Or is it just theatre to appease the masses?
The French government famously lied to the entire population about the extent of the pollution caused by the Chernobyl disaster:(https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-05-13-mn-5932-story.html).
‘One can’t help thinking of the heavy smoker who refused to board an airplane for fear it would crash and kill him.’
Another nice example from here in Thailand. Thousands of people riding motorbikes on the second most deadly roads in the world, wearing Covid face nappies but no crash helmet.
‘One can’t help thinking of the heavy smoker who refused to board an airplane for fear it would crash and kill him.’
Another nice example from here in Thailand. Thousands of people riding motorbikes on the second most deadly roads in the world, wearing Covid face nappies but no crash helmet.
Another thought-provoking piece from Thomas Fazi, one of Unherd’s best writers.
There seems to be a classic cognitive bias at play in the response to nuclear power: an irrational fear of a short term, but highly unlikely, catastrophe set against an equally irrational shoulder-shrugging attitiude towards an almost certain, but slightly delayed, catastrophe (in this case climate change / air pollution which will have a devastating impact on humanity). One can’t help thinking of the heavy smoker who refused to board an airplane for fear it would crash and kill him.
And yet…..given the net drop in the competence and quality of our leaders, can we really trust them to tell us the truth? Is that nuclear site really safe for those living nearby? Are the safety protocols being properly respected? Are the protocols even worth the paper they’re written on? Or is it just theatre to appease the masses?
The French government famously lied to the entire population about the extent of the pollution caused by the Chernobyl disaster:(https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-05-13-mn-5932-story.html).
I began buying Cammeco CCJ, and some Denison, DNN, and it really has gone nowhere much, although I am ahead so really beat the bear. Canadian Uranium Miners. I know we will have to make more nuclear plants, and my theory is USA will not want to find its self where Germany is by becoming energy dependent on an erratic source. Most uranium comes out of Kazakhstan, Kazatomprom being the world’s largest producer – and that is a stable country – but then…..it is a long way off.
My theory is USA will mandate a percent of Uranium must come from the North America Continent to be safe – so Cammeco was a definite winner.
Maybe time to get some CCJ – when it dips, I believe it one of the safer commodities – but you never know. (I also have Gold Miner Stocks mostly)
I began buying Cammeco CCJ, and some Denison, DNN, and it really has gone nowhere much, although I am ahead so really beat the bear. Canadian Uranium Miners. I know we will have to make more nuclear plants, and my theory is USA will not want to find its self where Germany is by becoming energy dependent on an erratic source. Most uranium comes out of Kazakhstan, Kazatomprom being the world’s largest producer – and that is a stable country – but then…..it is a long way off.
My theory is USA will mandate a percent of Uranium must come from the North America Continent to be safe – so Cammeco was a definite winner.
Maybe time to get some CCJ – when it dips, I believe it one of the safer commodities – but you never know. (I also have Gold Miner Stocks mostly)
“eight new reactors and 16 next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs), in order to triple domestic nuclear capacity to 24 gigawatts by 2050″
What good is building 24 nuke plants in the next 30 years when we only have 12 years left to safe the Earth!? Or is it 9 now, I forget? Is that a rolling estimate, or was it a hard date? Greta’s the expert; I’ll have to ask her.
Seriously, a 30 year time horizon does seem pretty ridiculous. America produced 1 destroyer every 3 days during WWII. Newt Gingrich put it best at a speech in Atlanta 15 years ago: “December 7th 1941 to August 14th, 1945 is less than 4 years. In less than 4 years, we defeated Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. Today it takes 23 years to add a 5th runway to the Atlanta airport. We are simply not prepared, today, to be a serious country.” His sentiments apply to the entire Western world, and taking 30 years to build 24 nuke plants that will power just 1/4 of your current population demonstrates the decadence and unseriousness of our current leadership admirably.
“eight new reactors and 16 next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs), in order to triple domestic nuclear capacity to 24 gigawatts by 2050″
What good is building 24 nuke plants in the next 30 years when we only have 12 years left to safe the Earth!? Or is it 9 now, I forget? Is that a rolling estimate, or was it a hard date? Greta’s the expert; I’ll have to ask her.
Seriously, a 30 year time horizon does seem pretty ridiculous. America produced 1 destroyer every 3 days during WWII. Newt Gingrich put it best at a speech in Atlanta 15 years ago: “December 7th 1941 to August 14th, 1945 is less than 4 years. In less than 4 years, we defeated Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. Today it takes 23 years to add a 5th runway to the Atlanta airport. We are simply not prepared, today, to be a serious country.” His sentiments apply to the entire Western world, and taking 30 years to build 24 nuke plants that will power just 1/4 of your current population demonstrates the decadence and unseriousness of our current leadership admirably.
The late James Ephraim LOVELOCK, CH CBE FRS (26 July 1919 – 26 July 2022), onetime ‘high priest’ of the Green Cult and author of the seminal GAIA Hypothesis, was saying all this years ago!
All too predictably he was jettisoned from the Green Cult, and denied the Knighthood which some thought he rightly deserved.
Wow I didn’t know that. Fascinating, will read up on it.
Many people drew on his work, so it’s likely you’ve come across his Gaia theory etc. without necessarily realising the original ideas came from him. Gaia was written at the end of the seventies but when I came across it early 2000s, a fair few other books had come along that picked up on it and some of his other ideas. He was a really important part of the green movement. From Wikipedia:
‘He was an outspoken member of Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy, asserting that fossil fuel interests have been behind opposition to nuclear energy, citing the effects of carbon dioxide as being harmful to the environment, and warning of global warming due to the greenhouse effect’
The fringe, where I lurked, both on and offline, picked up on the big oil funding the anti nuclear demonstrations etc so he was often quoted to support that argument. That’s why I say he was all the rage. Perhaps only on the fringe lol, seems he was actually treated pretty badly.
Many people drew on his work, so it’s likely you’ve come across his Gaia theory etc. without necessarily realising the original ideas came from him. Gaia was written at the end of the seventies but when I came across it early 2000s, a fair few other books had come along that picked up on it and some of his other ideas. He was a really important part of the green movement. From Wikipedia:
‘He was an outspoken member of Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy, asserting that fossil fuel interests have been behind opposition to nuclear energy, citing the effects of carbon dioxide as being harmful to the environment, and warning of global warming due to the greenhouse effect’
The fringe, where I lurked, both on and offline, picked up on the big oil funding the anti nuclear demonstrations etc so he was often quoted to support that argument. That’s why I say he was all the rage. Perhaps only on the fringe lol, seems he was actually treated pretty badly.
Wow I didn’t know that. Fascinating, will read up on it.
The late James Ephraim LOVELOCK, CH CBE FRS (26 July 1919 – 26 July 2022), onetime ‘high priest’ of the Green Cult and author of the seminal GAIA Hypothesis, was saying all this years ago!
All too predictably he was jettisoned from the Green Cult, and denied the Knighthood which some thought he rightly deserved.
Instead of huge nuclear plants it seems likely that mass produced small reactors can produce the power needed far sooner and create a more reliable grid.
Small factory built reactors at major substations would be easily scalable and dispersed power sources would be far more reliable. Mass production could see the cost drop dramatically.
We may be on the verge of something comparable to the 1980’s when servers and LAN’s replaced mainframe computers.
Instead of these endless wind and solar boondoggles, clearing a path for small nuclear could move us into a future all electric world quickly, safely, and economically.
Instead of huge nuclear plants it seems likely that mass produced small reactors can produce the power needed far sooner and create a more reliable grid.
Small factory built reactors at major substations would be easily scalable and dispersed power sources would be far more reliable. Mass production could see the cost drop dramatically.
We may be on the verge of something comparable to the 1980’s when servers and LAN’s replaced mainframe computers.
Instead of these endless wind and solar boondoggles, clearing a path for small nuclear could move us into a future all electric world quickly, safely, and economically.
Phew – I saw the headline and thought this was going to be about the Ukraine 🙂
Phew – I saw the headline and thought this was going to be about the Ukraine 🙂
How about all those people coming in on the Kent coast helping us by running on a vast swathe of treadmills wired up to the national grid? why not prisoners too? and MPs?
How about all those people coming in on the Kent coast helping us by running on a vast swathe of treadmills wired up to the national grid? why not prisoners too? and MPs?
We have been saddled with these ridiculous battery-powered cars (very bad for the environment) because of scientists chasing grants (again). It is presented to us as the only ‘green’ option.
In 2005 I spent a lot of time in Sweden and every gas station had a pump for ethanol. When Brazil had an economy based on sugar cane and that went out of fashion, they converted the sugar to ethanol and powered cars in that way. I am not saying that this was a good power source but it was an alternative.
Mazda have pointed out that the battery option is not good for the environment and will not follow the ‘king’s new clothes’ phenomenon. They have suggested other alternatives but … they don’t attract research grants.
The same problem exists for alternative ‘green’ energy sources. Wind + solar = research grants.
We have been saddled with these ridiculous battery-powered cars (very bad for the environment) because of scientists chasing grants (again). It is presented to us as the only ‘green’ option.
In 2005 I spent a lot of time in Sweden and every gas station had a pump for ethanol. When Brazil had an economy based on sugar cane and that went out of fashion, they converted the sugar to ethanol and powered cars in that way. I am not saying that this was a good power source but it was an alternative.
Mazda have pointed out that the battery option is not good for the environment and will not follow the ‘king’s new clothes’ phenomenon. They have suggested other alternatives but … they don’t attract research grants.
The same problem exists for alternative ‘green’ energy sources. Wind + solar = research grants.
Sorry you will never be able to normalize nuclear to me. That waste will eventually pile up and then what? accidents are nothing to be scoffed at either. Our men are already facing sperm loss due in large part to chemical exposure buildup. Make the trad sources more efficient until green energy gets up to speed.
Sorry you will never be able to normalize nuclear to me. That waste will eventually pile up and then what? accidents are nothing to be scoffed at either. Our men are already facing sperm loss due in large part to chemical exposure buildup. Make the trad sources more efficient until green energy gets up to speed.
I count science rejection as the biggest social problem that the developed world currently faces. With each new Covid variant, the anti-taxers will steadily gasp their last breaths in ICUs, but the anti-nukes will still be around to kill off whatever energy development we try to deploy.
I count science rejection as the biggest social problem that the developed world currently faces. With each new Covid variant, the anti-taxers will steadily gasp their last breaths in ICUs, but the anti-nukes will still be around to kill off whatever energy development we try to deploy.
“This ambivalent approach to nuclear energy — a zero-emission clean energy source — is all the more astonishing given our elites’ almost monomaniacal obsession for Net Zero emission targets.”
Delusional indeed. I, for one, refuse to stop ingesting onions, garlic and broccoli in the vain attempt to reduce methane gas production.
“This ambivalent approach to nuclear energy — a zero-emission clean energy source — is all the more astonishing given our elites’ almost monomaniacal obsession for Net Zero emission targets.”
Delusional indeed. I, for one, refuse to stop ingesting onions, garlic and broccoli in the vain attempt to reduce methane gas production.
So how can nuclear be “carbon free” if it takes diesel fuel and thousands of tons of concrete to build a plant?
Who will pay to decommission these plants in 40 years time at a cost of $500-800 million each?
The author makes some good points about renewables,but this is a pretty one sided homage to nuclear power with a lot of skirting over of details
Of course the most unpopular option which is never discussed these days….reduce energy use.
So how can nuclear be “carbon free” if it takes diesel fuel and thousands of tons of concrete to build a plant?
Who will pay to decommission these plants in 40 years time at a cost of $500-800 million each?
The author makes some good points about renewables,but this is a pretty one sided homage to nuclear power with a lot of skirting over of details
Of course the most unpopular option which is never discussed these days….reduce energy use.
The problem is that politicians and grifters around the world would lose a lot of power (no pun intended) and money-making ability if the world switched to nuclear. It would be the likes of you and me who benefited, rather than the politicians and corporate hangers-on on the gravy train.
And there’s no way that’d be allowed to happen. I’d love to think I’m being overly cynical but can’t think of anything else that makes sense.
It’s probably not that, simply because there is a huge amount of power and money in Nuclear.
It’s probably not that, simply because there is a huge amount of power and money in Nuclear.
The problem is that politicians and grifters around the world would lose a lot of power (no pun intended) and money-making ability if the world switched to nuclear. It would be the likes of you and me who benefited, rather than the politicians and corporate hangers-on on the gravy train.
And there’s no way that’d be allowed to happen. I’d love to think I’m being overly cynical but can’t think of anything else that makes sense.
I forwarded this to my dad, who spent his life in Construction and Oil & Gas. He is pro nuclear but has his reservations, mainly due to current implementation:
“In theory – OK – BUT – the current concept [French/German designed] EPR [European/Evolutionary Pressurised Reactor] being built in the UK at Hinkley Point [C] in Somerset has not yet been proven in Europe. The record for such is:
First European EPR – Olkiluoto, Finland – started 2005 was due to be built and commissioned in 2009 for 3.7Bn Euros – commercial operation is now scheduled to be on-line 14 years late for 8 Bn Euros [ie >twice the original budget] in 2023 [ie NOT YET!]
Second – Flamanville, France – started 2007 was due to be built and commissioned in 2013 for 3.3Bn Euros – commercial operation is now scheduled to be on-line 11 years late for 13.2 Bn Euros[ie >4x the original budget] in 2024 [ie NOT YET!]
Third – Hinckley Point C, UK – started 2016 was due to be built and commissioned in 2025 for £16Bn – is now scheduled to be on-line 11 years late for £26Bn [ie > 80% more than original budget] in 2036 [ie NOT YET!]
Roll on the advent of Modular reactors [probably from RR], which can be factory fabricated in controlled conditions and landed on simply on-site constructed concrete bases, in series/tandem dependant upon the load requirements”
I forwarded this to my dad, who spent his life in Construction and Oil & Gas. He is pro nuclear but has his reservations, mainly due to current implementation:
“In theory – OK – BUT – the current concept [French/German designed] EPR [European/Evolutionary Pressurised Reactor] being built in the UK at Hinkley Point [C] in Somerset has not yet been proven in Europe. The record for such is:
First European EPR – Olkiluoto, Finland – started 2005 was due to be built and commissioned in 2009 for 3.7Bn Euros – commercial operation is now scheduled to be on-line 14 years late for 8 Bn Euros [ie >twice the original budget] in 2023 [ie NOT YET!]
Second – Flamanville, France – started 2007 was due to be built and commissioned in 2013 for 3.3Bn Euros – commercial operation is now scheduled to be on-line 11 years late for 13.2 Bn Euros[ie >4x the original budget] in 2024 [ie NOT YET!]
Third – Hinckley Point C, UK – started 2016 was due to be built and commissioned in 2025 for £16Bn – is now scheduled to be on-line 11 years late for £26Bn [ie > 80% more than original budget] in 2036 [ie NOT YET!]
Roll on the advent of Modular reactors [probably from RR], which can be factory fabricated in controlled conditions and landed on simply on-site constructed concrete bases, in series/tandem dependant upon the load requirements”
Nuclear energy has been the answer to global fuel needs for decades. As usual, what we, the people, think we know is what the powerful want us to know or think, not the truth. Yet another damaging set of lies. It never ends. We will be destroyed by our “betters”, our “experts” who care more than we do.
This is when I pull up my gratitude, as per another column on UnHerd today……deep breaths.
Nuclear energy has been the answer to global fuel needs for decades. As usual, what we, the people, think we know is what the powerful want us to know or think, not the truth. Yet another damaging set of lies. It never ends. We will be destroyed by our “betters”, our “experts” who care more than we do.
This is when I pull up my gratitude, as per another column on UnHerd today……deep breaths.
“Boris Johnson launched an ambitious plan…”
Chortle. And we all felt warm and fuzzy. I kind of miss him now he’s gone. He’s even being literally airbrushed from history. But yes “nucular” is upon us, whether we would have it or not.
I am starting to believe that Boris might yet try a come back. The speech yesterday about low taxes was nothing if not the start of another leadership campaign. The problem for Boris is that we all now know that Boris knows what to say to get elected, but then puts his feet up once he’s at the head of the table and avoids all the hard decisions.
So Boris, we know that you know that taxes have to be cut, but we also know that you haven’t the guts to actually cut them.
I am starting to believe that Boris might yet try a come back. The speech yesterday about low taxes was nothing if not the start of another leadership campaign. The problem for Boris is that we all now know that Boris knows what to say to get elected, but then puts his feet up once he’s at the head of the table and avoids all the hard decisions.
So Boris, we know that you know that taxes have to be cut, but we also know that you haven’t the guts to actually cut them.
“Boris Johnson launched an ambitious plan…”
Chortle. And we all felt warm and fuzzy. I kind of miss him now he’s gone. He’s even being literally airbrushed from history. But yes “nucular” is upon us, whether we would have it or not.
Why has my tribute to the late James Lovelock been censored?
(As at 0941 & 0958 GMT)
HALLELUJAH! as 1027 GMT the Censor relents! What is this madness?
I don’t think it’s censorship. Quite often my posts aren’t visible for a while after I submit them (that is, if I refresh the page, the comment I just wrote isn’t there anymore), but always appear eventually.
Thanks, I was beginning to think mentioning the name of an erudite Heretic was the trigger!
Thanks, I was beginning to think mentioning the name of an erudite Heretic was the trigger!
I don’t think it’s censorship. Quite often my posts aren’t visible for a while after I submit them (that is, if I refresh the page, the comment I just wrote isn’t there anymore), but always appear eventually.
Why has my tribute to the late James Lovelock been censored?
(As at 0941 & 0958 GMT)
HALLELUJAH! as 1027 GMT the Censor relents! What is this madness?
“ . . . it can be used for both useful and peaceful purposes as well as deadly and destructive ends.” The same can be said of fire: heat your home, cook your food, burn down your city. What nuclear power needs is a PR Prometheus of its own.
“ . . . it can be used for both useful and peaceful purposes as well as deadly and destructive ends.” The same can be said of fire: heat your home, cook your food, burn down your city. What nuclear power needs is a PR Prometheus of its own.
Currently we do NOT have Nuclear Power.
To be pedantic, we have Steam Power generated buy Nuclear Energy.
Currently we do NOT have Nuclear Power.
To be pedantic, we have Steam Power generated buy Nuclear Energy.
Does anyone know why a bunch of posts were deleted? Seems to be a recurring theme.
Does anyone know why a bunch of posts were deleted? Seems to be a recurring theme.