Fixation on Uk Nuclear Power May Not Help to Solve Climate Crisis
Waste and cost among drawbacks, as researchers say renewables could power UK entirely
The Guardian Renewable Energy 5:10 am on May 10, 2024
The Guardian article discusses Oxford researchers suggesting the UK could be entirely powered by wind and solar, rendering nuclear subsidies unnecessary. Concerns over cost, waste disposal, and late deployment in climate action are highlighted for proposed small modular reactors (SMRs).
- Wind and Solar Potential: Oxford researchers indicate the UK could transition to full renewable energy from wind and solar.
- Nuclear Subsidy Critique: The article argues nuclear power's financial inefficiency due to cost overruns, waste issues, and insufficient climate action impact.
- SMR Development Challenges: Proposed SMR designs are still theoretical and lack solutions for waste problems.
- Climate Change Implications: Even if effective, renewables might be too slow to mitigate climate dangers according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.
- Policy Shift Needed: The author implies a potential need to reassess energy policy priorities and investments.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/10/fixation-on-nuclear-power-in-uk-may-not-help-to-solve-climate-crisis