The invasion of Ukraine underscores an argument in favour of nuclear power plants: they can afford their owners a security of electricity supply
s in Taishan, in southern China, after construction was already under way at Olkiluoto and Flamanville and finished by 2019.
At the same time as sending countries already interested in new nuclear plants in search of new companies to build them, the invasion of Ukraine also underscores a more general energy-security argument in favour of nuclear power plants: they can afford their owners a security of electricity supply. The’s reliance on Russian gas has boosted Russia’s income even as its artillery flattens Ukrainian cities; since mid-June, Russian moves to limit that supply have sent prices through the roof.
It has long been argued that this role might be taken by fossil-fuel-powered plants fitted with technology for carbon capture and storage and that may yet be the case; but there has been almost no deployment of the technology at large scale yet. Hydroelectricity and nuclear power are the only methods of producing such power without emitting carbon dioxide that have ever been deployed on a large scale.
These uncertainties reflect the fact that nuclear construction often fails to meet the high standards to which it is understandably held. When regulators notice things, they have to be put right. The concrete used at Olkiluoto was initially not up to scratch, with too much water in the mix. Then there were problems with the systems used to monitor and control the plant, leading to legal battles with two contractors, France’s Areva and Germany’s Siemens. Flamanville is dogged by faulty welding.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China clean energy: electric cars still need coal\n\t\t\tLet our global subject matter experts broaden your perspective with timely insights and opinions you\n\t\t\tcan’t find anywhere else.\n\t\t
Read more »
Martin Lewis issues urgent warning over 'outrageous' early exit energy feesMARTIN Lewis has slammed energy firms for charging customers “outrageous” exit fees from fixed tariffs. Suppliers charge up to £600 to leave fixed deals, up from £60 a year ago.&n…
Read more »
Kim Kardashian divides fans with tour of very quirky officeKim Kardashian has given her Instagram followers a video tour of her incredible new office space, which features neutral decor throughout and some very quirky furniture
Read more »
Gardening fanatic shares 'miracle' weedkiller and it only costs £1.18WHEN it comes to gardening, there are few jobs most people hate more than weeding. But one woman claims to have come up with a recipe for a homemade weed killer that’s more effective than any…
Read more »
Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie rock matching cowboy hats as they film BarbieRyan Gosling and Margot Robbie are definitely giving Barbie girl in a Barbie world vibes 🤩💅🏻 - We cannot wait to see the new Barbie movie!
Read more »