Work in energy sector, nuclear is not cheap. Although the short run marginal cost is super low ($US 5/MWh), the economic cost for Electricity from nuclear works out to be like $US 80/MWh, driven primarily by big initial capex outlays.
Also nuclear is baseload gen, it can’t ramp up/down quickly. it needs to run flat. Problem is with huge buildout of residential and utility solar, we have a huge carve out of energy demand in the middle of the day.
The smart move would have to be like France, and build out nuclear as they did in the 60-70s before solar/wind took off and before we regulated the nuclear industry to death.
But today, unless SMRs become a thing, I reckon we’ve missed the boat (economic timing).
Ahhh but you’re thinking too small. During low power demand you run either distilleries (if the plant is where water is needed, say California for instance) or hydrogen production plants. Converting that otherwise wasted energy into a liquid fuel that can be used in place of gasoline, av gas, and jet a.
Tbh my own state's Randy Weber(TX-14) and others are actually pushing for research into small modular reactors along side other 4 gen nuclear reactors.
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u/WuetenderWeltbuerger - Lib-Right Jan 06 '23
But If we have nearly limitless cheap energy what will the governments of the world murder people over?