Publication Laka-library:
Systems for change: nuclear power vs. Energy afficiency + renewables? Series on ecology (2010)
| Author | Antony Froggatt, Mycle Schneider, H.Böll Foundation |
| Date | August 2010 |
| Classification | 6.01.2.15/48 (NP & GREENHOUSE EFFECT - CO2 REDUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
Nuclear power as a "bridging technology"? On windy and low-consumption days the energy demand in Germany is already covered to a large extent by the wind energy supply. As the output of existing nuclear power stations (as well as the big coal-fired power stations) is not reduced at short notice for economic reasons, the surplus energy has to be exported to other countries at a loss. There is method in this madness. Many systemic issues have not been thoroughly investigated yet when it comes to compatibility or incompatibility of the centralized nuclear approach versus the decentralized efficiency+ renewables strategy. What are the consequences for grid development or how do choices on grid characteristics influence power generation investment strategies? To what extent is the unit size co-responsible for structural overcapacities and thus a lack of incentives for efficiency? How do government grants/ subsidies stimulate long-term decision-making? Will large renewable power plants reproduce the same system effects as large coal/nuclear plants? The present report presents the basic situation and raises questions that urgently need to be addressed. It is obvious that nuclear power did not lead to broad-scale and just access to energy services in the countries that opted for nuclear energy. But is a nuclear strategy actually counterproductive for the development of a clean-energy service future based on efficiency+ renewables? There is strong evidence that this is the case.
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