Four top scientists have written an open letter to governments of the world calling for the development of safer nuclear systems. For a long time, it was considered taboo by environmentalists to come out in support of nuclear power; these scientists have staked their reputations on this open letter in hopes of spurring a shift to low carbon technologies before runaway warming takes effect.

Nuclear power had a short-lived renaissance in the United States within the past decade, but fizzled out, as discussed in the American Security Project post titled “The fizzling of the ‘Nuclear Renaissance’.” Despite the fact there was serious public opposition after the Japanese Fukushima incident, nuclear power has continued to operate in many Asian and European countries and even grow in size.

While wind and solar power certainly have a place in future economies, they are not yet widespread enough to rely on to place us on a path of sustainability. Instead, nuclear technology is ready to go and can be a source for mass energy production. More emphasis needs to be placed on nuclear power so that a new generation of reactors can come online.

Environmentalist groups tend to group nuclear power with sources like coal, oil, and gas: sources that should be avoided for energy production. Some concerns of nuclear power are the risks of radiation, meltdowns, acquisition of fissile material by rouge groups, to name a few. However, these scientists realize that time is running out to do something about global warming, and the tipping point is soon unless something is done. Nuclear power is available and able to provide for current energy needs if world governments affirm a commitment to building more reactors. The scientists that wrote the letter realize the risk potential but argue that nuclear power can become safer with some more research and development.

In fact, the Department of Energy (DOE) has prioritized the commercialization of small modular reactors (SMRs), a new iteration of nuclear reactors that could sidestep a lot of the concerns that many people have with traditional nuclear power. For example, they are smaller, thus more flexible in terms of where to place them. Moreover, there are smaller initial capital investments. Finally, SMRs are built below grade for safety and security enhancements, meaning that there is less likelihood of sabotage or accidents. Furthermore, SMRs can go for extended periods without needing to be refueled, reducing the risk associated with transporting the nuclear material.

Additionally, there is fusion energy. According to the American Security Project report titled “Fusion Power – A 10 Year Plan to Energy Security,” if fusion gets the requisite support from the government, it can be on the path toward commercialization toward the end of the decade, meaning an abundant supply of clean and cheap energy.

We need to stop having the arguments of the past. Debates on nuclear power are often the product of decades old science and philosophies. The fact is that technology is changing so fast that the political debate can’t keep up. Instead, we should realize the immense potential of a new generation of nuclear reactors.

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