Nuclear energy risk management is only a small part of the Energy Risk Professional (ERP) curriculum, but I believe this area of expertise will gain in importance over the next decade. A conversation starter is this TED Debate about the usefulness of nuclear energy: Pros and cons are presented as an overview, and renewable energy is also briefly touched upon. Watch it critically and assess the arguments as a repetition of your study about nuclear energy.
Summary points “Pro nuclear”:
- The waste generated by a nuclear plant for a lifetime of electricity for one person goes into one Coke can.
- Many countries are already maxed out on wind, solar and water energy.
- Nuclear energy is used as a disarmament tool for warheads in Russia and the US.
- There are not enough renewable energy sources to provide enough electricity.
Summary points “Anti nuclear”:
- CO2 emissions from nuclear are much larger than admitted by the industry, especially when compared to renewables.
- Nuclear energy is a reason for nuclear weapons proliferation in developing economies.
- Footprint of wind energy on the ground is the smallest, while nuclear is the largest (including safety perimeter).
- There is plenty of renewable energy available today to replace nuclear power plants.