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Can zero emissions be achieved without heavily relying on nuclear energy?

Davie Raggatt

Well, that's a tough question! Let me start by saying that nuclear energy definitely plays a part in reducing carbon emissions, as it produces no greenhouse gases. However, it's not without its drawbacks - nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have made people understandably wary about its safety.

So, can we achieve zero emissions without relying heavily on nuclear energy? The short answer is yes, but it won't be easy.

Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower have come a long way in recent years. In fact, renewable energy sources generated a fifth of global electricity in 2018, according to the International Energy Agency. That's a pretty impressive figure, and it shows that we're making progress.

However, it's worth noting that renewables still have their limitations. For example, wind turbines need to be situated in areas with strong and consistent winds, while solar panels only work when there's enough sunlight. Plus, both wind and solar energy are intermittent - they can't provide a consistent level of power all the time like nuclear or fossil fuels can.

That's where energy storage comes in. Batteries, for example, can store excess energy generated by wind or solar sources for use later. In addition, some countries are exploring the use of technologies like pumped hydro storage, which involves pumping water uphill when renewable energy is abundant and releasing it to generate electricity when it's needed.

Another factor to consider is energy efficiency. The less energy we use in the first place, the less we need to generate. This can be achieved by increasing the efficiency of buildings and appliances, and by changing our behaviour to reduce waste.

So, to sum up: while nuclear energy can help us achieve zero emissions, it's not the only way. Renewable energy sources, energy storage, and energy efficiency measures are all important tools in the fight against climate change. It's going to take a lot of work and innovation, but I'm optimistic that we can get there!