A Nuclear Renaissance Could Soon Begin
Small Modular Reactors have been called the future of nuclear
The irony of nuclear power is that despite it being one of the safest forms of energy available, its use has declined over the years in no small part due to public concern. Very few accidents have ever taken place at nuclear power plants. Yet when they do the results are nightmarish catastrophes which have turned people against it. However, in comparison to coal it produces 330 times fewer deaths. Compared to oil the number is 263 times fewer and compared to gas it’s 38 times fewer. Overall nuclear power is over 97% safer than coal, oil, or gas.
It’s also an essential component for our transition to a clean power grid. Solar and wind cannot provide power 24 hours a day, hence the gaps in energy production must be filled by another source. Like nuclear.
Nuclear is by far the most reliable and potent of all energy sources, but this reliability comes at a high price. The construction of a single plant is a complex project that can take around 7 years and billions of dollars to complete. Because most people do not want them constructed near the city, high voltage power cables represent an additional cost for carrying electricity between the city and the plant.
