by Adam Ó Ceallaigh

In pursuit of a sustainable future, the energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, with a focus on transitioning to green sources. Renewable energies like solar and wind power offer promising solutions, but their sole current capacity falls short of meeting the growing global energy demands. As we prioritise the shift to renewables it becomes essential to explore supplementary sources that can bridge the energy gap. Nuclear energy serves as a powerful catalyst for change, and offers a reliable and low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. I want to explore the merits of nuclear energy and debunk anti-nuclear narratives, to shed light on nuclear energy’s  potential to accelerate the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.

One common narrative that you hear is that nuclear energy is unsafe. Nuclear energy has come a long way in terms of safety since the incidents at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima. Modern reactor designs incorporate advanced safety features, such as passive cooling systems and robust containment structures. The industry has learned from past mistakes and implemented stringent safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of both humans and the environment. 

In the 60-year history of civil nuclear power generation, with over 18,500 cumulative reactor years across 36 countries, there have been only three significant accidents at nuclear power plants. When comparing fatalities, fossil fuels have led to 78.59 deaths per thousand terawatt-hours, while nuclear power has led to 0.03 deaths per thousand terawatt-hours. The global electricity consumption in 2022 was 24,398 terawatt-hours. These facts underscore the level of safety surrounding nuclear energy.

While waste management was once a legitimate concern, the nuclear industry has developed effective strategies for handling and storing radioactive waste. The industry has made remarkable progress in waste management, addressing radioactive waste responsibly. Reprocessing technology recycles 96% of nuclear power waste, namely plutonium and uranium. The waste can subsequently be used as reactor fuel in nuclear power plants.

The creation of deep geological repositories, as exemplified by Finland’s newly opened OnkaloRepository, offers a promising solution for long-term waste storage. Onkalo is the first permanent nuclear waste depository, located 455 metres underground. It ensures the safe containment of nuclear waste for 100,000 years, minimising environmental hazards. The repository can hold 5,500 tons of waste, addressing waste concerns for over a century and giving time for more repositories to be built. 

The Limitations of Renewables

Renewable energies have made significant strides in recent years, with a particular focus on 2030 targets. But they face inherent limitations that hinder their widespread adoption as standalone sources. The intermittent nature of solar and wind power, with solar making energy only 20% of the time and wind 35%, poses challenges in matching energy supply with demand. Importantly, there is also a need to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, renewables’ geographic and climate dependencies restrict their effectiveness in certain regions, necessitating a careful consideration of their suitability for different locations.

On top of this, storage technologies are still developing and have not yet reached the level required for large-scale deployment, making it challenging to store excess energy generated during peak times for use during periods of low production. 

The need for space, particularly with regard to solar and wind turbines, further adds to the challenges of scaling up renewable energy installations. California’s largest nuclear plant, Diablo Canyon, occupies approximately 1000 acres and produces 16,477 GwH per year. In comparison, you would need, on average, 527,264 acres of solar PV to produce the same amount.

 A greener future with nuclear energy

Nuclear power sets itself apart from intermittent renewables, and poses as a direct competitor to fossil fuels, by providing a reliable baseload electricity that operates 24/7. This characteristic ensures a stable power supply, effectively addressing the issue of intermittency that is commonly associated with solar and wind energy. For instance, France relies on nuclear power for at least 65% of its baseload electricity, unlike Ireland, which uses 71.5% fossil fuels.

Nuclear energy presents a significant advantage in reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. During electricity generation,It is practically carbon-free, making it a vital tool in combating climate change. In France, the average carbon dioxide emissions are as low as 40 grams per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, countries like Germany, which depend on coal for approximately 20-25% of their power, produce about 440 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour.

Nuclear power also exhibits remarkable energy density. This exceptional efficiency not only reduces the reliance on resource extraction, but also minimises waste generation. Nuclear power plants are highly efficient, with an average efficiency rate of 91%, in comparison to the efficiency rates of 20% of solar energy and 30% of wind energy.

Mitigating climate change demands a swift transition to renewable energy sources. While renewables play a pivotal role, their power alone cannot meet global energy demands. Nuclear energy presents itself as a crucial bridge toward a sustainable future. By providing low-carbon baseload power, nuclear energy complements renewables and helps meet energy requirements while we work on expanding renewable infrastructure. As we navigate the complexities of our energy transition, embracing nuclear energy alongside renewables positions us to accelerate change, protect the planet, and secure a sustainable energy future for generations to come.