Can Efficiency Counter a Loss of Nuclear Power?

[wtmusic]

"In an era when almost every energy technology is unpopular with somebody, the people who don’t want wind turbines, generating stations or new transmission lines installed in their neighborhoods often raise the idea of improving energy efficiency as an alternative.

That argument is particularly common in New York State and in Vermont, where state governments are trying to close nuclear reactors within their borders. So, how effectively can efficiency replace a reactor, making up for the loss of this zero-carbon energy source?

Not very, according to a new study of carbon dioxide output in Japan in the months around the Fukushima disaster."

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/13/can-efficiency-counter-a-loss-of-nuclear-power/

[Yo_Mama]

1. It depends upon the net change in power supply

If you only have a small contribution from nuclear power, it's relatively easy to cover.

But if that was a major part of the mix, no, efficiency won't do it.

So, for example, in south Germany where the impact of the nuclear power plant shutdowns was concentrated, the ardently green Baden-Wuerttemberg government is raising its mid-term CO2 targets (or lowering its CO2 reduction targets):
http://www.germanenergyblog.de/?p=8609

Everything's relative.

[kristopher]

2. The title doesn't reflect the article.

What is being measured in Japan isn't the ability of energy efficiency to replace nuclear power, it is the energy crisis brought about by over-dependence on an energy source that can destroy your country if it fails catastrophically. If, instead of deciding to pursue nuclear Japan had instead elected to follow the energy efficiency/renewable route, they wouldn't be in their present situation.

[GliderGuider]

4. Why wax nostalgic for a non-existent past?

Last edited Tue Feb 14, 2012, 10:02 AM - Edit history (1)

If, instead of deciding to pursue nuclear Japan had instead elected to follow the energy efficiency/renewable route, they wouldn't be in their present situation.

I've noticed you saying this several times now. Saying "if only" can accomplish only one thing - it traps you in the past and guarantees personal suffering. Yes, the energy situation in Japan now is unfortunate, but it is what it is. The way forward is to work with what is, to make it better, and make it less possible for others to sleep-walk into such a situation in the future.

[kristopher]

3. More on the "Breakthrough Institute"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/11272391

[GliderGuider]

5. I didn't see that before. Thanks for the link!

Another of the many faces of evil bent on destroying the world.

"The Breakthrough Institute - screwing Life since 2003."