Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Why aren't we relying on nuclear power? (with Isabelle Boemeke)
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Dec 17, 2025 In this conversation with Isabelle Boemeke, a passionate advocate for clean energy and founder of Save Clean Energy, listeners dive into the complexities of nuclear power. She discusses why the fear of nuclear energy often overshadows the deadly risks of fossil fuels. Boemeke demystifies storage challenges, energy costs, and the public perception surrounding nuclear accidents. She emphasizes the need for firm baseload power and better regulatory frameworks to encourage safer and more efficient nuclear deployment. Her insights aim to reshape attitudes toward this powerful energy source.
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Nuclear Adds Reliable, High-Density Power
- Nuclear supplies dense, reliable power that reduces air pollution and supports huge electricity demand like AI and electrification.
- Solar and wind can work but their intermittency and geography make full reliance costly and complex.
Intermittency Drives Hidden Renewable Costs
- Solar and wind intermittency forces overbuilding and large battery and transmission investments to meet rare multi-day low-production periods.
- Adding nuclear as baseload reduces total infrastructure needs and stabilizes grids.
Global Nuclear Is Growing Despite Western Lull
- Nuclear deployment is resurging globally, especially in China and Russia, even if Western builds lagged for decades.
- A dormant domestic industry raises costs because the workforce and supply chains atrophied.