On the Future of Fission and Solar Energy

Abstract

Our attitudes towards the risks of climate change must be reconsidered. We must recognise that the consequences will be huge and inevitable if we do not act now. Better to accept a few false alarms rather than be unprepared for a climate catastrophe. An outstanding example is the calculation by groups from Germany and the UK in 2009 (1) of the allowable emissions of CO₂ before a 2°C increase in global temperature is exceeded. This leaves very little time, only 4 to 8 years, for mitigation measures.

Nuclear fission now presents a formidable fleet of some 450 reactors benefitting from over 50 years of operational experience. Throughout decades of development, they reached outstanding safety standards, exceeding those of most renewable sources. However, the threat of climate change is calling this perspective into question as nuclear technology requires long-term stability of institutions. The future of nuclear fission will be determined after the expiration of the next decade with the development of hydro, solar and wind energy as replacements. For Croatia, in view of future climate insecurity, we cannot recommend the construction of a nuclear power plant built to operate from 2043 to 2083 (2) as a replacement for the outgoing NE Krško plant. Instead, we should intensify the development of our renewable resources.