Ferdinand E. Banks

New Nuclear Plants Not Viable Without Government Support

Reading an article like this, and some of the comments, warms my heart. What it shows is that I not only know more energy economics than most people, but I know a great great deal more. Of course, knowing a great deal isn't much help if you find yourself in a seminar room or at a conference in front of the Great Unlearned, and so in those situations I make a point of taking no prisoners. In terms of reliability, flexibility and cost, nuclear is in first place, and I explain that very carefully.

About nuclear needing government help. That may be true, because the young geniuses on Wall Street and in The City of London are just as dumb as Gorgeous George when it comes to energy economics, but there is no need to worry. When the price of energy starts escalating again, the Great Unlearned will come to their senses...I think. Moreover, it isn't just the young geniuses, but also our political masters. In a country like Sweden where it is simple to prove that nuclear has paid its way, the ignoramuses in government claim the opposite.