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The problem with wind and solar is that they both require extensive spatially distributed energy collection systems, storage to overcome intermittent generation
by Merrill 7y ago
The problem with wind and solar is that they both require extensive spatially distributed energy collection systems, storage to overcome intermittent generation, and complex transmission networks to collect, manage, and distribute the electrical power. It seems unlikely that such can be secured in a world where conflict is steadily increasing, and where a tiny, but significant, percentage of the population is bent on disrupting or destroying infrastructure.
On the other hand, nuclear fission and fusion plants are spatially compact and can be located in secured areas near the industrial and residential users connected by short transmission lines. Nuclear plant heat and power can also be harnessed to generate synthetic fuels for transportation and chemical feedstocks as required for military and civilian purposes.
- RickJWagner 7y agoI agree. Sooner or later, we'll need to have a serious discussion about nuclear energy. It's the best way out of this mess.
- jfnixon 7y agoAnnnnnd the downvotes start. What is it about nuclear energy that terrifies the ycombinator crowd?
- mark-r 7y agoProposing nuclear power is an easy knee-jerk reaction. But it ignores a few critical facts. First, nuclear plants are impractical due to NIMBY and out-of-control building costs. Second, the pesky problem of nuclear waste has not been solved yet. All indications are that renewable power is more practical at this time than nuclear.