The decision by several European countries to shut down their nuclear power plants left the continent more dependent on Russian gas and imports from third parties. Energy sovereignty, which seemed like a consolidated achievement, crumbled. Now, every price increase in international markets hits the pockets of citizens and local industry hard.
The technical trap of renewables without firm backup ⚡
The bet on sources like solar and wind requires a massive storage system that is not yet ready at scale. Without the constant generation of nuclear power, the European grid becomes fragile in the face of demand peaks or windless days. Intermittency forces the maintenance of gas plants as backup, a vicious cycle that makes electricity more expensive and contradicts short-term climate goals.
The paradox of turning off the lights to save energy 💡
It is curious that, to be greener, some governments decided to shut down plants that did not emit CO2. Now, while France exports cheap electricity from its reactors, its neighbors light candles and pray for the wind to blow. The plan was brilliant: stop producing clean energy to buy more expensive dirty energy. Quite a strategic success.