Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger err by suggesting we need to choose nuclear energy over solar energy to combat climate change (“Going Green? Then Go Nuclear,” op-ed, May 23).
Smart energy policy must include meaningful carbon-emission reduction goals. The best way to reach those goals is by scaling energy efficiency and meeting much more of our remaining energy needs with clean, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal.
Unlike the clear benefits from renewables, however, nuclear power’s role in combating climate change remains troubled, uncertain and expensive. Construction delays and spiraling costs at Finland’s Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor have resulted from inferior workmanship and regulator concerns over the reactor’s control systems. And such safety concerns are driving Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power in the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi accident.
For nuclear energy to have a role combating climate change, we must find solutions to three issues: First, we must be able to ensure safe operation of reactors, including during natural disasters. Second, we must ensure environmental safeguards for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel over a geologic time scale. And third, we must address the linkage between nuclear energy and nuclear weapons.
Messrs. Nordhaus and Shellenberger ignore the facts that solar module prices have fallen 80% since 2008, and that solar is now cost competitive in a number of U.S. states and other countries. Solar now provides over 110,000 American jobs. Regrettably, the authors present a false choice between nuclear and solar, unsupported by facts.
Matthew McKinzie
The writers ignore the distribution costs of centralized power, requiring enhanced grid and transmission capability to get the centrally produced power to users. This cost is minimal in distributed solar production. In essence, nuclear and solar don’t even compete, as solar is best used for peak-power supply and nuclear is best used for base-load supply.
Michael Shaut
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