Small Nuclear Reactors Will Not Save the Day
7 hours ago
- #Renewables
- #Energy Transition
- #Nuclear Energy
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are being promoted as a solution for clean energy, but none are commercially operational yet.
- SMR projects like NuScale's Utah project have been canceled due to high costs and lack of investors.
- Large-scale nuclear projects like Hinkley Point C in the UK are facing delays and cost overruns.
- Nuclear energy is receiving guaranteed minimum prices in some countries, making it more expensive than renewables like solar and wind.
- SMRs, even if deployed by the 2030s, would require thousands of units to make a significant impact on global energy demand.
- Nuclear energy carries risks of catastrophic failure and long-term radioactive waste, unlike renewables.
- Renewables like wind, solar, and battery storage are already scalable, cheaper, and faster to deploy than nuclear.
- Nuclear power may remain relevant in some countries but is not a viable solution for fast decarbonization globally.
- Investments should focus on proven technologies like wind, solar, and batteries for maximum emissions reduction.