In today’s fast-paced, tech-saturated world, where our conversations are occupied with AI advancements, quantum computing breakthroughs, and the latest Tesla innovations, it feels as though we’ve forgotten an unsung hero of modern technology – Nuclear energy. We talk about fossil fuels and their impact on climate change; we discuss solar, wind, and hydroelectricity with vigor. Yet, the discourse around nuclear energy, especially in its capacity as a formidable ally in the fight against climate change, is surprisingly silent.

The reasons for this silence are understandable, rooted in historical context. From dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the disasters of Chernobyl and Fukushima, nuclear energy has been marred by catastrophic associations. But, as we continue to grapple with the realities of climate change and seek out sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, it’s time to revisit nuclear energy, examine its potential, and reconsider its role in our shared future.

Let’s Talk Numbers

As of 2021, 440 nuclear reactors are operational in 32 countries, producing about 10% of the world’s electricity. Notably, in the United States, nuclear power is responsible for about 20% of the electricity generation. In France, that number is a staggering 70%, marking them as the country with the highest share of nuclear electricity in its power mix.

When we consider emissions, the data paints a striking picture. Nuclear energy has a lifecycle emission intensity comparable to wind and hydropower, and it is much lower than solar PV, according to a 2014 IPCC report. For every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity, nuclear energy emits roughly 12 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent. Compare that with natural gas and coal, which emit approximately 469 grams and 820 grams per kWh, respectively. Clearly, nuclear energy is a low-carbon technology.

What About Safety?

The stigma attached to nuclear power is often connected to safety concerns. However, consider this statistic from the World Health Organization: for every kilowatt-hour of electricity produced, nuclear energy causes fewer deaths than most other energy sources, including coal, oil, and even rooftop solar. This is a testament to the advancements in nuclear technology, rigorous safety protocols, and strict regulations that govern nuclear power plants.

But is Nuclear Energy Sustainable?

The data suggests it is. As per World Nuclear Association, one kilogram of uranium-235 can generate as much energy as 1,500 tons of coal. If we harness advanced reactors and technologies that enable fuel recycling, such as fast-neutron reactors, nuclear energy could potentially power our planet for thousands of years.

Cost is Another Critical Factor

This is where nuclear energy faces a significant challenge. Construction costs for nuclear power plants are high, largely due to stringent safety and security regulations. However, once a plant is up and running, the cost of generating electricity is relatively low. And this cost could decrease further with technological advancements and economies of scale brought by new reactor designs, such as small modular reactors (SMRs).

Technological Advancements in Nuclear Technology and the Promise of Nuclear Fusion

Not only should we reconsider nuclear power’s present contributions but also its future prospects in the form of technological advancements in reactor designs and the tantalizing promise of nuclear fusion. In short, nuclear fusion breakthrough. The numbers and facts surrounding these innovations add new dimensions to the nuclear narrative.

Let’s Start with Advancements in Nuclear Reactor Technologies

Traditional nuclear power plants use pressurized water reactors, a technology that has served us well but is subject to concerns over safety and waste disposal. Enter Generation IV reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), the vanguard of nuclear technology.

Generation IV reactors are a set of nuclear reactor designs currently under research and development. These advanced designs prioritize safety, sustainability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. They aim to use fuel more efficiently and reduce nuclear waste. According to the Generation IV International Forum, these designs could be ready for commercial introduction by 2030 to 2040.

SMRs Role in the Quest for Nuclear Fusion

On the other hand, SMRs are akin to taking nuclear power and downsizing it. They are designed to be built in factories and shipped to their desired locations. Their smaller size and modular nature can significantly reduce capital costs and construction times. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that SMRs could be commercially viable by the mid-2020s, and the global market for SMRs could be worth up to $600 billion by 2040. These figures indicate a potent economic potential that cannot be ignored.

But perhaps the most captivating conversation in the nuclear sphere revolves around nuclear fusion, often dubbed the “Holy Grail” of energy production. Unlike nuclear fission, which involves splitting heavy atoms to release energy, fusion combines light atoms at high temperatures, mimicking the processes occurring in the sun.

Nuclear Fusion’s Potential to Transform the Future of Energy

Despite the allure of limitless, clean energy, the reality of nuclear fusion is still a scientific work in progress. To date, no fusion reactor has been able to produce more energy than it consumes, a concept known as ‘ignition.’ But the gap is closing. The largest and most advanced fusion experiment in the world, the ITER project in France, hopes to produce 500 MW of fusion power from 50 MW of input power by the late 2020s.

According to a 2021 report from the Canadian Nuclear Association, a successful ITER project could pave the way for commercial fusion power plants by 2050. It’s an ambitious timeline, but one that signals a transformative shift in our energy landscape. Given the enormity of the energy and climate challenges we face, we cannot afford to dismiss such potential.

These technological advancements are transforming the narrative around nuclear energy. They are addressing the traditional concerns about nuclear power – safety, waste, cost, and scale – while offering unprecedented potential for a sustainable and prosperous energy future. As we move forward, let’s not only talk more about nuclear energy but let’s ensure that these innovations, and the promising data that accompanies them, form an integral part of that conversation.

The Conversation Around Nuclear Energy Needs to Change

We need to shift our perceptions, fueled by the shadows of past tragedies, to a data-driven dialogue about the future of our planet. With global electricity demand set to increase by 79% by 2050, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, we need all hands on deck. Nuclear energy should be part of our strategy to meet this demand while mitigating our carbon footprint.

In the midst of our incessant chatter about the latest tech innovation, let’s not forget to talk about nuclear energy. This powerful, abundant, low-emission technology might not be the silver bullet to solve all our energy and climate challenges. Still, the data suggest that it has a critical role to play. It’s time to put nuclear energy back on the discussion table.

The post Nuclear Energy: We Don’t Talk Enough About It first appeared on Re:Wired.