Rational Middle Is it smart to stop nuclear power generation? Nuclear energy is generated through splitting atoms and generates splitted attitudes in return. Experts and the general public alike have divided opinions when it comes to nuclear power generation. At the moment the world has over 430 commercial nuclear reactors in 31 countries. These reactors are responsible for generating almost 14 % of the planet’s electricity (source: http://world-nuclear.org/). The International Energy Agency advises having the pursuit of energy efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions as main global priorities in the World Energy Outlook 2012. While low CO2 emissions during generation and large potential for electricity production, fitting to emerging economies with increasing energy consumption (e.g., China), make a valid case for nuclear plants, concerns for radioactive waste, terrorism and the halo effect of the Fukushima accident in 2011 and the well-known Chernobyl disaster in 1986 are still on the table. NRG Magazine decided to put a magnifying glass over the position of nuclear power generation in the whole climate-change, sustainability-pursuit and energy efficiency situation. Therefore, we asked two of the Netherlands’ leading experts in nuclear energy (Prof. Dr. Ir. Tim van der Hagen) and solar energy (Prof. Dr. Wim Sinke) to present their views on the future of nuclear power generation.
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