More Smoke and Mirrors

Abstract

In Chap. 11, we looked at some comparison myths around renewable energy. In this chapter we look at some myths that seem to surround fission energy. For some reason nuclear power attracts a great deal of flack. As discussed in the Preface, it is probably because of the fearful association with nuclear weapons and the damage they have done to innocent people. However, if we are to tackle climate change in a realistic way, we need to get over these irrational fears. Tackling climate change means moving away from fossil fuels over the next few decades. In most countries, fission energy will be the only way they can do this without impacting the reliability of their electricity network. In this chapter we cover several issues including, need, expense, time to build, sustainability, radiation, and investment risk.