Cat Clifford: Why is nuclear energy back in fashion?
Mar 18, 2025
auto_awesome
Cat Clifford, Senior Science and Economics Correspondent for Cipher News, dives into the resurgence of nuclear energy amid climate goals. She discusses the innovative small modular reactors and the promising future of nuclear fusion. Cat highlights China's leadership in the nuclear sector and the complex public perceptions stemming from past incidents. The conversation also touches on safety advancements and bipartisan support for nuclear policies, revealing the geopolitical tensions that influence global energy strategies.
Nuclear energy is experiencing a renaissance driven by innovations like Small Modular Reactors, which promise cost reductions and expedited deployment.
Despite historical fears, nuclear power is one of the safest energy sources available and plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions.
Deep dives
Exploring Renewable Energy Linkages
Morocco's geographic advantages of abundant sunshine and strong trade winds present a significant opportunity for renewable energy generation. A company named X-Links proposes to connect this renewable energy source to high-demand areas such as the UK through subsea intercontinental cables. This innovative infrastructure aims to efficiently transport energy generated from solar and wind facilities in Morocco to provide significant power supply for UK homes. This project emphasizes the potential for international energy collaboration in pursuit of decarbonization targets.
The Nuclear Energy Landscape
Nuclear power constitutes just under 10% of the world's electricity generation, a decline from higher percentages in the 1990s, largely due to major disasters like Fukushima. Some countries have moved away from nuclear power entirely, while others, particularly in Asia, continue to expand their nuclear capabilities. This shift reflects a complex dialogue around nuclear energy's reliability and safety, as it contrasts with growing renewable sources like gas, coal, solar, and wind. The debate centers on finding a balanced solution to meet increasing energy demands while addressing climate goals.
Perceptions and Realities of Nuclear Safety
Despite public fear surrounding nuclear energy, data shows that it is one of the safest forms of electricity generation when comparing death rates per unit produced. Nuclear energy generates no carbon emissions during operation, which positions it favorably in the context of climate change concerns. Furthermore, the safety profile of nuclear energy needs to be assessed against fossil fuels, which are responsible for millions of premature deaths due to air pollution annually. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the facts rather than relying on historical fears linked to notable nuclear accidents.
The Future of Nuclear Technology
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are viewed as a potential key innovation in the nuclear sector, promising reduced costs and quicker deployment than traditional large reactors. However, the commercial viability of SMRs remains uncertain, as few have been constructed to date. There exists a significant focus on the efficiency of the construction process and the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget to revitalize the nuclear industry. Alongside these developments, the world of fusion energy presents an exciting frontier, though practical applications are still likely years away from realization.
Small modular reactors. Nuclear fusion. Artificial intelligence. Senior economics correspondent for Cipher News, Cat Clifford, unpacks the latest innovations in nuclear energy and explains how China is leading the way.
Season two of Solving for Climate is sponsored by Xlinks xlinks.co