Fears of nuclear catastrophes meet worries of blackouts and rising greenhouse gas emissions: climate change and the energy crisis, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, have sparked renewed discussion about the use of nuclear energy. In contrast to Germany, other countries are again increasingly relying on nuclear power. Against this background, bild der wissenschaft in the August issue sheds light on the complex aspects of the controversial topic of nuclear power.
Technology was once celebrated quite lightly as the solution to the supply of electricity. But at the latest with the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, disillusionment set in and the 2011 disaster in Fukushima, Japan, made it clear again: nuclear power is associated with considerable risks. In Germany, a decision was finally made against the technology: the “nuclear phase-out” should actually be completed by the end of 2022. However, in view of the shortage of natural gas as an energy source due to the conflict with Russia and the avoidance of fossil fuels, there are calls for an extension of the operating times of the remaining nuclear power plants. In other countries, however, the use of nuclear energy is viewed far less critically – it is being expanded.
In the first sub-article of the title topic “Nuclear power splits the world”, the bdw author Maria Engel first examines an aspect that speaks against the use of nuclear power: The Ukraine war has shown the danger that can emanate from nuclear power plants that are operated in crisis areas . As she reports, there were military attacks on nuclear facilities before the example of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia. The author explains why nuclear catastrophes do not only threaten from rocket fire, but also from impaired infrastructure in crisis areas. A stable supply of water and electricity is required for the safe operation of the complex systems. Despite the major risks, however, a number of countries in crisis regions are relying on the use of nuclear energy, reports Engel.
Do pros and cons need to be re-evaluated?
In the article “The climate balance of nuclear energy”, the author then addresses the question of how far the alleged climate friendliness of nuclear technology actually reaches. One thing is clear: in contrast to generating electricity from coal or natural gas, a nuclear power plant does not release any emissions that are harmful to the climate. Nevertheless, it is by no means a CO2-free form of energy production. Because in addition to construction and demolition, the provision of fuel elements in particular has a significant impact on the climate, Engel explains. The article shows that more complex considerations of the climate balance are therefore necessary.
The discussion then focuses on extending the service life of German nuclear power plants and the long-term prospects for nuclear energy. The bdw technology editor Ralf Butscher conducted an interview with the Karlsruhe energy scientist and nuclear power expert Thomas Walter Tromm about numerous aspects of the topic. He emphasizes: “The discussion about nuclear power has many facets”. Tromm sees the continued operation of the three nuclear power plants, which are scheduled to be shut down at the end of the year, as a sensible way of bridging the current emergency situation. Against the background of geopolitical developments, the expert also expects a further expansion of nuclear power in the world – even if Germany will probably ultimately turn away from nuclear power.
In this context, the title story is rounded off by a look at “The long way back”: In the article, Engel reports on the challenge of the planned demolition of the nuclear power plants in Germany. According to her, this process can take longer than construction or operation. Apparently, radioactive “surprises” are always to be expected. Instead of waiting until the radioactivity has subsided, a costly dismantling of the facilities should ensure safe disposal, according to the article.
You will find the cover story “Nuclear power divides the world” in the August issue of bild der wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from July 19.