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nuclear power costs underestimated and renewables’ potential overlooked says nef research
The cost of new nuclear power has been underestimated by almost a factor of three and the potential of small scale renewables critically overlooked according to a report from nef (the new economics foundation), Mirage and Oasis, released to coincide with the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy, on 29 June 2005.
Nuclear power has been promoted in the UK and globally as the answer to climate change and energy insecurity. But, as Mirage and Oasis reveals, as a response to global warming, nuclear power is too slow, too expensive and too limited. And, in an age of terrorist threats, it is more of a security risk than a solution. Instead, renewable energy offers as safe, secure and climate-friendly energy supply system. It leaves no toxic legacy and is abundant and cheap to harvest both in the UK and globally.
Renewable energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal could, in theory each individually meet all of the world’s energy needs. Practically, however, as nef’s report reveals; a broader combination of renewable energy sources than is currently utilized, tapped into with a range of micro, small, medium and large-scale technologies, and applied flexibly, could more than meet all of our needs. Better still, they have the ability to create new access to energy supplies for millions of people around the world who currently lack basics, such as lighting or the ability to cook without inhaling lethal indoor smoke.
“Without sustainable, reliable supplies of energy the world faces a future in which climate change and fuel shortages will combine with catastrophic results. The poorest and most vulnerable will suffer the worst. But a resurgence of interest in nuclear power, justified by voodoo economics, stands to hinder and potentially derail renewable energy,” says Andrew Simms, nef policy director and author of the report.
The UK nuclear industry have systematically underestimated the cost of new nuclear power, the report says by almost a factor of three – without even taking into account the wider risks associated with nuclear such as proliferation, insurance, pollution and terrorist threats. More realistic estimates for construction, delays and overruns, the cost of early reactors and actual performance – all push the likely costs of new nuclear power up. Mirage and Oasis also points out that:
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Renewable technology is in its infancy compared to nuclear, meaning that research and development invested in renewables will reap exponentially more benefits than for nuclear.
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And, even if a commitment were made now to new power stations, nuclear power could not come on line in time to assist the UK in meeting its climate change targets
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In addition, nuclear energy is capital intensive and one of the least labour intensive methods of energy generation. By contrast, renewable energy has rich potential for job creation
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The UK has an over-abundance of resources to meet the Government’s target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the uptake of renewable energy. Without even taking account of savings from effective measures for energy conservation and increased efficiency that reduce demand
The potential of getting energy from a decentralised system of very small-scale, micro-generation from renewable sources has been critically overlooked. In the UK, for example, one estimate suggests that if just around one third of electricity customers installed 2kW of micro-generation, using solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind systems it would match the capacity of the UK nuclear programme. But, apart from its low cost and climate friendliness, it has other particular advantages:
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Reducing the total supply capacity needed within networks, and reducing the need for peak provision in electricity networks, which is one of the biggest planning headaches for utility managers.
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A better guarantee against blackouts through the reduction of power system losses; and the ability to adjust supply to match demand.
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Much less power lost during transmission and major energy efficiency gains.
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Automatic provision of diversity in terms of power and location, which therefore reduces the vulnerability of the system and increases the security of supply.
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Speed of installation – units can be installed far more quickly than a central station or transmission and distribution line; and modular systems mean great potential for scaling up.
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Lower financial risk than large stations or transmission and distribution lines.
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Better inoculation against price fluctuations in fossil fuels through the renewables-based mix.
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Micropower provides local choice and control, the option of relying on local fuels and spurring community economic development.
In the current debate some argue that nuclear power could happily co-exist with renewables. But there are limited resources available and there is a real danger, according to most government sources, that nuclear will continue to ‘crowd out’, more cost effective smaller scale renewable alternatives.
But, says Mirage and Oasis, in order to realise the full benefits of renewable energy and micro-generation a number of key steps must be taken. The report calls for a fundamental shift of public support away from fossil fuels and nuclear power, to renewables and micro-generation – to remove anti-renewable distortions and enable them to play ‘catch up’.
Specifically, Mirage and Oasis calls for:
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Current total funding for renewables should at least match that which was made available to the nuclear industry during its period of peak research and construction.
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Local authorities to set targets for the uptake of certain microgenerators and to allow them as ‘permitted developments’ on a par in the planning process with, for example, satellite dishes.
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A full range of fiscal incentives including, for example, stamp duty concessions for ildings with renewables and tax allowances on renewables investments.
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An obligation for all electricity suppliers to purchase electricity from microgenerators.
"Renewable energy from micro generation has a vital role to play in putting Britain on the path to a sustainable energy supply. Mirage and Oasis shows that it is not only possible, but desirable for both economic and environmental reasons" says, Sarah Butler Sloss, Chair of the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy
The potential for a climate friendly, non-nuclear energy supply system has been acknowledged by extensive research carried out across government, to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, to the wider research community and civil society. In the light of the current energy review in the UK, there is now an urgent need, and an opportunity, to make it happen.
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