2024 has been an incredibly slow year. Nothing has happened. Literally nothing besides Brat summer. Also, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act. Those are the two main things. We all know that’s not true, but even with everything that happened this year, nuclear was Miss Popular, thanks to announcements from state capitols, the Hill and Silicon Valley.
With its newfound popularity, nuclear may come up at Thanksgiving dinner, and we want you to be prepared. Here are some tips on how to navigate questions your relatives may have about nuclear energy, so you don’t have to talk about why you’re single or why you’re still exploring what you want to do with your life.
Is Nuclear Even Necessary If We Have Renewables?
When your cousin starts talking about how we don't even need nuclear anymore because we have newer and better energy sources, remind them that there’s more to the story.
Why do you eat stuffing if you’re already eating turkey? Why do you eat blueberry pie if you’re already eating pumpkin pie? Because you NEED both. No, but actually, we need the nuclear energy part, too.
Solar and wind are fantastic sources of clean energy and will be an important part of reducing carbon emissions. They can’t do it alone, though. With increasing energy demand from things like AI and advanced computing, we need to be pulling all of the available levers to produce enough clean and reliable energy for the world.
Nuclear is also the most reliable of any energy source. As of 2022, the DOE had nuclear energy as America's most reliable energy source, with power plants operating at full capacity more than 92% of the time.
Is Nuclear Energy Dangerous?
When your great-aunt talks about how dangerous nuclear energy is and how there are three-eyed fish swimming in her neighborhood, you can allay her fears and tell her that’s a Simpsons cartoon and that nuclear is safe. Nuclear energy is actually one of the safest industrial professions, for nuclear workers and the larger community.
But what if your uncle that has opinions on everything—from the tactics used in WWI to Chappell Roan’s critiques of fan culture—chimes in and says he just doesn’t like the idea of having a nuclear power plant in his area?
He may not know it, but he could already have a nuclear power plant in his area, providing 24/7 electricity without any carbon emissions or other harmful air pollutants. In fact, lots of folks who work at nuclear energy facilities live in the very same community.
Nuclear power plants are extremely safe and are great additions to any neighborhood because they provide carbon-free energy, cleaner air and well-paying jobs. Additionally, surveys show strong support for plants in communities, including one recent survey that showed more than 90% support in the local community for the existing nuclear facilities.
What’s the Big Deal With Big Tech’s Interest in Nuclear?
When Grandma starts asking why you have to go to a nuclear plant to use Google or why Amazon is offering one-day shipping on nuclear reactors, you can help her understand what is actually going on and why it is good for us.
AWS, Google, and Microsoft all announced big investments into nuclear energy in the last couple months. As the surge in their energy demand increases and the need for data centers increases, nuclear proved to be a perfect fit for these tech giants looking to partner with a power source that can meet those needs with clean energy.
Can Nuclear Energy Really Bring Us Together This Holiday Season?
When your little cousins or nieces and nephews start talking about how the climate is a disaster or how they don’t know what they want to do for work when they’re older, talking about nuclear energy can bring everyone together. A clean energy source with support on both sides of the aisle AND has a strong job market is a surefire way to make everyone happy.
Hopefully these points can help you feel equipped for discussions about climate and clean energy at the dinner table. The good people over at Nuclear Matters also put together a great toolkit for advocates and conversation starters for occasions just like this.
But overall, remember to take a deep breath and stay calm. The holidays can be a very stressful time, and 2024 has been a stressful year. The least you can do is beat your uncle at cards and not snap when you have to repeat the plot of Dune 2 to your grandfather for the third time.
