Renewables or Nuclear: Which Should Lead in Curbing Climate Change?

One of the most contentious issues facing policymakers in their efforts to curb climate change is the debate over whether renewable or nuclear energy should play a larger role, and to what extent both are needed, as well as how they can be integrated into electric grids. This book addresses these critical issues directly, providing balanced analyses and detailing the challenges these energy sources face. The primary challenges for renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, include intermittency, grid instability, and concerns regarding land use. Conversely, nuclear energy faces challenges related to high reactor costs and public concerns regarding accidents, waste management, and the potential for weapons proliferation. The book also explores other relevant energy forms, energy storage solutions, the potential of smart grids and artificial intelligence, and the necessity of electrifying transportation and other economic sectors to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Renewables or Nuclear: Which Should Lead in Curbing Climate Change? addresses the complex technical, economic, and political issues surrounding energy sources. The book is intended for a broad audience concerned about climate change, but lacking extensive knowledge of renewable or nuclear energy sources. It aims to explain the costs and benefits of each energy source and their roles in combating climate change. No technical background is required to understand the content, making this book a valuable reference for advanced high school or undergraduate college courses focused on climate change.

Addresses the complex technical, economic, and political issues surrounding energy and climate change; Specifically examines one of the most contentious issues policymakers face—a debate over renewable and nuclear energy; No technical background is required to understand the material covered in the book.