Though nuclear energy is a controversial topic, I recently attended a Nuclear Energy Debate at Columbia University School of Law where a panel of proponents and skeptics provided individuals, students and business professionals with some insight on the utilization of nuclear energy to combat climate change.

The proponents were represented by Susan Eisenhower, who serves as a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission on the future of nuclear energy, and Barton Cowan, a lawyer who has spoken for nuclear energy for years. These panelists maintained that nuclear is a necessity and that, as the only non-carbon base-load power source, it is a tactical move in the battle over climate change. They argued nuclear power is a clean form of energy, utilizing little fuel, producing minimal carbon dioxide and having the ability to produce large supplies of clean electricity on a global scale. In addition to low emission levels and unparalleled energy output, they see nuclear energy arguably as a reliable source in that it is unaffected by shortages.

The proponents further argued that electricity demand forecasts could increase between 20% and 45% in the coming decades, and that nuclear could satisfy the need to increase generating capacities. In addition, leaders worldwide are embracing nuclear energy, particularly in China, noting that over the next 15 years China intends to build 40 nuclear power plants. By 2020, the China National Nuclear Corporation plans to invest CNY 800 billion.

The skeptics of the debate were none other than Robert Alvarez, a senior scholar for the Institute of Policy Studies, and Peter Bradford, a former commissioner to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and an adjunct professor at the Vermont School of Law. They certainly cautioned not to underestimate the dangers of nuclear energy, immediately citing waste issues, proliferation of nuclear weapons and the costs as troublesome to the say the least. Their biggest concern is safety. Their main question is how to dispose of or store generated waste. On average, a nuclear power plant generates about 20 metric tons of radioactive waste each year. There is the threat of a nuclear meltdown, which is a result of a shortage of coolant water in the nuclear reactor. You may recall the explosion at Chernobyl, where lives were lost as a result of exposure to radiation.

The skeptics also note the security risks radioactive waste pose, citing the probability of other nations developing nuclear weapons. In particular, though, they believe the only non-carbon base-load power source argument is futile, as one constant power source doesn’t fit into the equation with the integration of renewable energy sources into a managed smart grid. And finally, Robert Alvarez weighed in on the costs of nuclear power plants, citing high initial capital costs as well as costs associated with waste stabilization. We’re talking billions of dollars. To put it in perspective, one hundred nuclear power plants could cost as much as $800 billion for taxpayers, or $10,000 per family.

The bottom line is clean technologies are needed and will continue to be needed into the foreseeable future. While we recognize wind and solar as eminent sources of clean technology, we must remember that as a source for clean power they are intermittent and unpredictable. With fossil fuel prices rising and projections showing electricity demand increasing at twice the rate of energy use, we must be open to exploring and understanding those options we wouldn’t have considered practical for one reason or another in the past. Perhaps nuclear is one. You be the judge.

Debaters
Nuclear Proponents:
Susan Eisenhower, Member, Blue Ribbon Commission for America's Nuclear Future; Chair Emeritus, Eisenhower Institute
Barton Cowan, Visiting Professor, West Virginia University College of Law; Of Counsel, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC

Nuclear Skeptics:
Robert Alvarez, Senior Scholar, Institute for Policy Studies; Former Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of Energy
Peter Bradford, Adjunct Professor, Vermont Law School; Former Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Former Chair, New York and Maine Utility Regulatory Commissions