I think we want to compare nuclear and solar/wind/storage, where the base goal is to have a steady power generation rate over time (adjustable to demand within

I think we want to compare nuclear and solar/wind/storage, where the base goal is to have a steady power generation rate over time (adjustable to demand within certain limits). This tends to produce a closer cost outcome for nuclear and s/w/s as storage costs (batteries, inertial storage, pumped hydro, etc.) are probably going to at least double or triple the installed costs of the s/w/s power system. For example, if you want to provide relatively steady 1GW of power 24-7, 12 m/yr, this can be done with a nuclear plant running at its optimal rate (*optimal for fuel rod lifetime and steady burn rate). With a solar/wind system, you'd likely need enough PV panels to produce say 2GW at noon, with 1GW going to grid demand and another GW going to storage, to meet demand at midnight etc. Balancing seasonal demand in subpolar regions would require a lot more power and storage as well, so nuclear may have an advantage there. Clearly both systems are possible, but both have supply chain issues (uranium ore and fuel elements and reactor construction, vs. battery components and PV panels and wind turbines and storage infrastructure). However, I'd guess long-term maintenance costs are going to be much lower with solar/wind/storage systems (with much lower fueling/waste storage issues and liabilities, which would really just be battery maintenance and replacement costs).