- Ordering new nuclear power plants in 2024 is unlikely to be beneficial because they won't come online until 2038, by which time long-duration energy storage (e.g., hydrogen) will provide cheaper, cleaner alternatives.
- Nuclear power's main advantage is providing 24/7 carbon-free electricity, but it comes with high costs, waste disposal issues, and lengthy construction delays.
- Nuclear power can enhance energy resilience and diversification, offering a self-contained, always-on power source that reduces dependence on foreign hydrogen infrastructure.
- The current nuclear industry struggles with high costs and long timelines (e.g., €10 billion and 15+ years for a 1 GW plant), with few successful recent projects.
- A large-scale, coordinated project to build 50+ reactors could improve efficiency through experience curves, but such political consensus is unlikely.
- Instead of investing in new nuclear, resources should be directed toward alternative resilience measures like redundant natural gas infrastructure, hydrogen storage, and expanded grid interconnections.
- Future energy systems may shift to demand-side management, accepting intermittent power availability rather than aiming for 100% continuous supply.