Nuclear vs Solar Power: Can We Have an Honest Debate?

Both nuclear and solar power have have their pros and cons but each side tends to give a skewed view of reality. Here’s what I wish both sides would acknowledge.

I am coming at this question as a fan of renewable energy and skeptic of nuclear power. However, I used to be on the other side, so I can see both sides of the issue. Back in the early 90s, I had little faith in wind and solar power as it grew at such a minuscule rate. My faith was really in nuclear fusion but I also thought nuclear fission has positive aspects.

Following numerous technological developments and failures since then, I have learned a number of important lessons. Especially when you are young it is easy to get attracted to the technology that sounds most science fiction and advanced.

I would place my bets on the coolest technologies time and again only to be proven wrong. What I have learned since then is that boring and simple technology is remarkably good at winning in the long run. Sophisticated technology tends to struggle with getting economical. As a technology enthusiast, however, you tend to ignore the economical aspect.