It’s all very well to espouse boutique nonsense like Net Zero, except that at some point reality will come and beat you over the head. Hence situations like this one:
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), Monday directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and construct a nuclear power plant of not less than one gigawatt. The new plant was needed, Hochul said in her announcement, in order “to support a reliable and affordable electric grid, while providing the necessary zero-emission electricity to achieve a clean energy economy.”
It was a surprising announcement for a state that closed and dismantled the Indian Point nuclear power plant only five years ago. The consideration of nuclear in the energy mix is part of a pattern seen in other blue states committed to eliminating electricity generated from fossil fuels. California has now delayed the closure of its only nuclear power plant, and Michigan is looking to restart a previously shuttered nuclear power plant.
In all three cases, it appears that the states are coming to grips with the reality that intermittent wind and solar backed up by short-duration, expensive grid-scale batteries won’t be enough to supply the power needs of the state, especially as AI places more demands on the grid. Still clinging to the hope of a fossil fuel-free grid, these states are looking to nuclear as a more politically tenable option.
Cue wailing and weeping from the anti-nuke brethren and watermelons in 3…2…1…
Me, I’d be quite happy if these idiots — and the people who voted them into power — broiled, froze or suffered permanent blackouts for a few years as a result of their foolishness, but perhaps I’m being too harsh.
The green watermelons need to go and take their paid for pawns in government with them
Just to note, once the tech billionaires jumped on the nuclear bandwagon, about 90% of the Left’s opposition to it disappeared instantly. This displays the top down nature of the Left. They money class of leftists call the shots, but they are intellectually led by the leftist academic class. It is an interesting ecosystem.
I saw a story yesterday that Google wants clearance to build mini reactors to power their ever-expanding data centers. To this I say, Go! Go! Go!
It’s probably the only long term positive to come from AI. The only way to power the damn things is with nuclear power. I hate AI, but at least it may drag something good in the door with it.