Myth:
Nuclear energy can provide all the backup needed for a grid that is mostly powered by renewables.
Fact:
The problem with this line of argument is that nuclear reactors must operate at near full capacity in order to amortise their high capital costs. This means they cannot ramp up their output if there is a sudden dearth of wind and/or sun. And even if they were to operate at a loss, at say 60 percent capacity, they cannot increase their output anywhere near quickly enough to deal with a failure elsewhere in the grid.
Battery storage, hydro storage and peaking gas are far better forms of backup for renewable energy. They can be brought into play almost instantly, preventing blackouts while the power outage is rectified.
A nuclear power plant. [Source: PICRYL]
Sources:
Giles Parkinson, “Rooftop solar ducks would eat nuclear’s lunch. So will Coalition slow PV or pay to store it?” Renew Economy, 19/3/24
Giles Parkinson, “No room for nuclear: AGL says flexibility is key as it plans to dump coal for renewables in a decade,” Renew Economy, 9/7/24
Sophie Vorrath, “Biggest losers from Coalition’s nuclear plan will be Australia’s 4 million solar households, industry says,” Renew Economy, 14/12/24
Giles Parkinson, “Tesla says Dutton’s nuclear plan will result in ‘severe’ curtailment of household rooftop solar,” Renew Economy, 16/12/24
Giles Parkinson, “Solar switch off: Dutton’s nuclear plan amounts to declaration of war against household energy systems,” Renew Economy, 16/12/24
David Leitch, “This talk of nuclear is a waste of time: Wind, solar and firming can clearly do the job,” Renew Economy, 30/12/24