The speaker, Anna, discusses the topic of nuclear energy, focusing on the Dutch government's plan to build two new nuclear power stations in Borsele, near an existing station. The aim is to reduce dependence on Russian gas, coal, and fossil fuels, and to contribute to sustainability goals. However, Anna acknowledges the emotional and political controversy surrounding nuclear energy due to its long-term radioactive waste and potential safety concerns.
Despite these challenges, Anna suggests that nuclear energy should be part of a balanced energy mix, particularly in countries like the Netherlands where it requires less space and generates significant power. She also highlights the need for a stable, politically safe, and technologically advanced environment for nuclear power plants.
Anna points out that while nuclear energy currently isn't the cheapest option, it can provide a stable electricity network. She also mentions the potential of Generation 3 plus power stations, a type of nuclear reactor that has been safely used in many countries. However, she cautions that the expected costs for the two Dutch power stations are high, estimated at approximately 20 billion euros.
Anna concludes by stating that while nuclear energy won't necessarily lead to a lower energy bill, it could contribute to a stable electricity network and possibly help the Netherlands achieve its climate goals faster. She encourages viewers to engage in the conversation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful and constructive dialogue.
1. The speaker, Anna, is discussing Karen energy, which is a type of nuclear energy.
2. The Dutch government plans to build two new nuclear power stations near the existing one in Borsele.
3. This move is aimed at reducing dependence on Russian gas, coal, and fossil fuels, and achieving sustainability goals.
4. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty in discussing nuclear energy due to the emotions it stirs.
5. She mentions the issue of radioactive waste, which remains a problem with nuclear energy.
6. The speaker believes that until there's a good solution for nuclear waste, we shouldn't produce a lot of it.
7. As of the end of 2021, there were 437 active nuclear power stations in 32 countries worldwide.
8. In the Netherlands, nuclear energy contributes 3% of the country's electricity, while 60% is generated by burning fossil fuels.
9. The Netherlands has a nuclear power plant in Zeeland, which has been operational for about 50 years.
10. The government is considering building two new nuclear power stations, expected to be completed by 2035.
11. The new power stations are expected to provide approximately 24 Terra hours of power per year.
12. The speaker expects that the price of solar energy will continue to decrease, while the price of nuclear energy will not decrease much further.
13. The speaker believes that nuclear power plants will only become financially interesting if they have been running for more than about 20 years.
14. The speaker discusses the safety of nuclear energy, stating that it is a very safe energy source according to science.
15. The speaker mentions the use of Generation 3 plus power stations, which are currently being used and have been used safely in many countries.
16. The speaker discusses the potential use of thorium in nuclear energy, stating that it produces less intense radioactive waste that decays faster.
17. The speaker concludes by stating that the construction of new nuclear power stations won't lead to a lower energy bill, but it could lead to a stable electricity network.