When did nuclear power become “clean”?

A lunge towards nuclear is the worst possible path for a world aspiring towards “clean” energy. It poses a major security risk too.

via Alamy/ FFGRG7

When, exactly, did nuclear power become “clean” energy? Even in our post-truth society, it remains mind-boggling that the most dangerous and enduringly toxic technology known to man should have been repackaged and presented as “green”, “safe” and “clean”. This imposture puts Orwell’s “War is peace, freedom is slavery” very much in the shade.

Rachel Reeves’s statement on Wednesday included £14bn of funding for the construction of the new Sizewell C nuclear plant, as well as the announcement that three small modular reactors (SMRs) would be built by Rolls Royce. While this reflects government awareness of the inadequacy of “renewables” for energy supply, this lunge towards nuclear is the worst possible path we could have taken. A world aspiring to clean energy should be phasing out nuclear power, not expanding it.