The decision by several European countries to shut down their nuclear power plants after Fukushima was not an act of prudence, but a one-way ticket to energy dependence. By renouncing a stable, low-emission source, the continent delivered itself into the arms of Russian gas. Today, with soaring bills and geopolitical tensions, the consequences of that panic are evident.
Physics doesn't understand ideologies ⚛️
Nuclear power plants offer a capacity factor above 90%, far exceeding gas or intermittent renewables. While a reactor provides constant baseload electricity, a combined-cycle plant requires a continuous supply of liquefied or pipeline gas. Modern nuclear technology, with Generation III+ reactors and small modular designs, reduces risks and waste. Ignoring these technical advances due to political dogmatism was not environmentalism; it was a failed strategic bet that left Europe with no room to maneuver.
Now everyone wants to be friends with the atom 😅
It's comical to see the same politicians who a decade ago called for a nuclear shutdown now lining up to buy uranium. Germany shut down its last plants only to reopen coal-fired ones, while France, which didn't fall for the hysteria, laughs in private. In the end, the fear of a nuclear meltdown in a reactor has turned into the real fear of an economic meltdown. But hey, at least now we know that uranium doesn't get cut off in the middle of winter due to a diplomatic dispute.