Opinion: California must embrace nuclear energy again

Re “Should California’s last nuclear power plant stay open?” (Nov. 12): The U-T addressed a crucial California issue. Scientists have proven that keeping Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant online would save money and prevent potential blackouts during the transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

To prevent blackouts, new sources must be installed, connected to the grid and tested before decommissioning the existing source. Many, and probably most, energy-knowledgeable scientists agree that existing nuclear is the best option to fill this power shortfall until 100 percent renewable energy is achieved.

A detailed transition plan over the next 20 to 30 years must be scientifically and rigorously prepared without political or emotional influence. This plan would match realistic new source operational dates to anticipated peak demand. The plan can then be used to develop the funding by year. Knowing these things is the only way we can be sure to have adequate energy without blackouts.

Peter Williamson
La Jolla

It is sadly ironic that you should have an article discussing advocates for closing Diablo Canyon on the day after the COP26 climate conference closed in Edinburgh, Scotland. The separate goals could not be in more conflict.

To avoid much greater future climate change, the single most important task is to replace fossil fuels in industry, commerce, transportation and homes with electric power. And with wind and solar, nuclear is an essential component of electric power generation.

Regrettably, too many climate “environmentalists” are also anti-nuclear. But existing nuclear power plants are not unsafe, and new nuclear technology is both lower cost and safer. So if you have a future discussion about Diablo Canyon or nuclear in general, ask yourself and others to look at facts and abandon the knee-jerk anti-nuclear rhetoric.

Phillip Hawley
La Jolla

Opinion resources

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters.

• Letters and commentaries policies
• Submit a letter
• Follow @UTLetters on Twitter
• Sign up for the Weekend Opinion newsletter