The unholy alliance that explains why renewable energy is trouncing nuclear

Research output: Contribution to specialist publicationArticle

Abstract

If recent trends continue for another two years, the global share of electricity from renewables excluding hydropower will overtake nuclear for the first time. Even 20 years ago, this nuclear decline would have greatly surprised many people – particularly now that reducing carbon emissions is at the top of the political agenda.

On one level this is a story about changes in relative costs. The costs of solar and wind have plunged while nuclear has become almost astoundingly expensive. But this raises the question of why this came about. As I argue in my new book, Low Carbon Politics, it helps to dip into cultural theory.
Original languageEnglish
Specialist publicationThe Conversation
PublisherThe Conversation UK
Publication statusPublished - 19 Mar 2018

Bibliographical note

David Toke has received funding from the ESRC, the EU, the World Future Council, Friends of the Earth, UNISON, and the Combined Heat and Power Association, for research into various issues involving renewable energy and energy. David Toke is a member of the trade association, RenewableUK. He is a member of the Green Party of England and Wales and also a member of the Scottish Green Party.

Keywords

  • Renewable energy
  • Solar power
  • Wind power
  • Greenpeace
  • Nuclear power
  • Donald Trump
  • Hinkley Point C
  • Solar PV
  • Las Vegas
  • Hinkley C

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