Nuclear No More

Big disasters can create big change.  After the devastating tragedy in Japan this year, the idea of nuclear power as a mainstream source of energy has come under much scrutiny.  Germany has devised a plan to shut down all 17 of its nuclear reactors over the next decade.   Will the U.S. be next?  The anxiety is that we will not be able to provide the same amount of power with renewables and therefore impact the economy.  But how could we not take the chance in light of what can happen like in Japan?  It seems like an even riskier plan to continue using non-renewable fossil fuels and nuclear derived power.   However, some greenhouse-gas reduction advocates indicate that new and improved nuclear power plants will be cleaner and safer.  And they provide a constant power source unlike variable wind and solar technologies. That could be something to consider.  I say let’s see how Germany handles it and hopefully we can model our energy foundation after their success.