limate activists call for urgent action against the threat of climate change but often have been the most prominent opponents to nuclear power, which is perhaps the most potent tool for transitioning our energy systems. Nuclear energy is one of the few sources that produce constant electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, with water vapor being the primary source of emissions.
In his Wrapping Up 2018 newsletter, Bill Gates emphasized the potential of nuclear energy: "Nuclear energy is ideal for dealing with climate change because it is the only carbon–free, scalable energy source that's available 24 hours a day. Innovation can solve the problems with today's reactors, such as the risk of accidents."
Today, Gate's company TerraPower's liquid sodium–cooled reactor seeks a U.S. construction permit. At the same time, Last Energy's modular plants, which occupy just a third of an acre, are gaining traction in Europe, offering quicker and more cost–effective deployment amid growing geopolitical threats.
At the 2023 SXSW event, Last Energy CEO and climate activist Bret Kugelmass acknowledged the tension between climate goals and the need for innovation: “For every innovation, we also pay a price. Every step it takes to create takes energy…. Energy is intrinsically linked to progress, but it is not without tradeoffs. But what are we supposed to do? Not explore, not travel, not innovate, not try?”
Today, energy demand is surging for data centers, bitcoin, and training artificial intelligence models.
For Kugelmass, future progress is powered by nuclear energy, which boasts minimal emissions and abundant fuel resources. Its reliability as a consistent energy source contrasts with the intermittency of renewables, highlighting its relevance during the transition from fossil fuels.
Moreover, nuclear power addresses grid vulnerabilities, offering reliability and a steady baseline of operations. Its large-scale, grid-compatible generation mitigates risks associated with outdated infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply. A 2017 Forbes article also underscored a national security advantage: nuclear reactors are shielded from hacking because they are "operational islands" isolated from the internet.
Nuclear power offers a compelling solution to climate change and rising energy demands. Its safety and reliability make it indispensable to securing a sustainable future. Now is the time for people and organizations to reevaluate their stances on nuclear power and recognize its pivotal role in shaping the future we desire.
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The resilience and potential of nuclear energy
Photo by Ajay Pal Singh Atwal on Unsplash
April 22, 2024
Calls for climate action are getting more insistent as the climate crisis deepens, yet they ignore the most powerful tool that could help them—nuclear energy, writes W2050 Chair Lisa Gable.
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limate activists call for urgent action against the threat of climate change but often have been the most prominent opponents to nuclear power, which is perhaps the most potent tool for transitioning our energy systems. Nuclear energy is one of the few sources that produce constant electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, with water vapor being the primary source of emissions.
In his Wrapping Up 2018 newsletter, Bill Gates emphasized the potential of nuclear energy: "Nuclear energy is ideal for dealing with climate change because it is the only carbon–free, scalable energy source that's available 24 hours a day. Innovation can solve the problems with today's reactors, such as the risk of accidents."
Today, Gate's company TerraPower's liquid sodium–cooled reactor seeks a U.S. construction permit. At the same time, Last Energy's modular plants, which occupy just a third of an acre, are gaining traction in Europe, offering quicker and more cost–effective deployment amid growing geopolitical threats.
At the 2023 SXSW event, Last Energy CEO and climate activist Bret Kugelmass acknowledged the tension between climate goals and the need for innovation: “For every innovation, we also pay a price. Every step it takes to create takes energy…. Energy is intrinsically linked to progress, but it is not without tradeoffs. But what are we supposed to do? Not explore, not travel, not innovate, not try?”
Today, energy demand is surging for data centers, bitcoin, and training artificial intelligence models.
For Kugelmass, future progress is powered by nuclear energy, which boasts minimal emissions and abundant fuel resources. Its reliability as a consistent energy source contrasts with the intermittency of renewables, highlighting its relevance during the transition from fossil fuels.
Moreover, nuclear power addresses grid vulnerabilities, offering reliability and a steady baseline of operations. Its large-scale, grid-compatible generation mitigates risks associated with outdated infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply. A 2017 Forbes article also underscored a national security advantage: nuclear reactors are shielded from hacking because they are "operational islands" isolated from the internet.
Nuclear power offers a compelling solution to climate change and rising energy demands. Its safety and reliability make it indispensable to securing a sustainable future. Now is the time for people and organizations to reevaluate their stances on nuclear power and recognize its pivotal role in shaping the future we desire.
