Net-zero agenda must focus on environmental needs, not political

The Swedish parliament this week formally renounced its goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 by using only renewable energy. The nation is now looking to construct more nuclear reactors. This choice, according to observers, indirectly accepts the poor quality of unreliable wind and solar power. It demonstrates a general loss of faith in the Nordic countries, which pioneered renewable energy goals. It also reveals that Western countries’ plans to achieve net zero are unsustainable.
Also this week, locals in New York expressed negative feelings about a proposed new regulation by the city’s Department of Environmental Protection that will apply to coal and wood-fired ovens used by pizzerias. The stated objective is to reduce emissions from such ovens in New York City by 75 percent. Restaurants would have to determine whether they can install emissions control systems for their kitchen burners. The devices, according to critics, will be expensive and may change the flavor of the pizzas. Many also questioned the move’s impact on the environment, as fewer than 100 businesses in the city are concerned. And, believe me, they do have the best pizzas.
These two stories show the disconnect within the environmental debate. Firstly, they show that this is a fight between industries. The renewable energy industries are looking to develop their business, so putting the old fossil fuel companies out of business is a clear objective. Their best weapon is the use of bans. Secondly, we notice that it has become a political agenda and not an environmental one. Decisions have nothing to do with achieving the claimed goals, but rather aim for a political win.
The reality is that climate absolutists who want to ban everything, including good pizza, will cause absolute chaos. Breaking down the entire energy supply chain will not only disrupt the global geopolitical order, but will also impact people’s lives. The main reason is that renewable energy only accounts for a fraction of the world’s energy needs and it cannot possibly catch up in a short period of time. And if clean energy is their goal, the main question is why do they oppose nuclear energy, even for Africa? Especially when we know that nuclear power plants produce virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during their operation. It is about politics and business.
The reality is that, just as Sweden has decided to move back into nuclear energy in its pursuit of a clean and sustainable future, this energy source emerges as more efficient than renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. While renewables have made significant strides in recent years, nuclear power offers unparalleled advantages that make it a pragmatic solution for meeting growing energy demands.
One of the key differentiators of nuclear energy is its high energy density. A small amount of nuclear fuel can generate a substantial amount of electricity, surpassing the capabilities of solar panels and wind turbines. This efficiency allows nuclear power plants to produce electricity on a large scale without requiring extensive land areas, making them ideal for densely populated regions where space is limited.
Moreover, nuclear power plants offer consistent and continuous power generation. Unlike solar and wind, which are dependent on weather conditions, nuclear energy operates round the clock, providing a stable baseload power source. This reliability ensures grid stability, mitigates the risk of power shortages and enables industries and households to operate without interruptions. The predictable output of nuclear energy is particularly valuable in meeting the constant demand for electricity without compromising on efficiency.
The capacity factor is crucial for analyzing energy efficiency. High capacity factors are continuously attained by nuclear power reactors, which frequently reach 90 percent. This metric illustrates the system’s efficiency by contrasting a power plant’s actual output with its greatest potential production. In contrast, weather variations can cause changes in solar and wind generation, leading to reduced capacity factors. Nuclear energy’s continually high capacity factor highlights its ability to maximize resource utilization and produce power at the highest levels of efficiency.

The reality is that climate absolutists who want to ban everything, including good pizza, will cause absolute chaos.

Khaled Abou Zahr

Energy intensity further strengthens the case for nuclear power. It boasts a remarkable ability to generate substantial amounts of electricity while only using a small amount of fuel. In comparison, renewable energy sources necessitate vast surface areas and infrastructure to produce electricity. The concentrated nature of nuclear power generation allows for efficient resource utilization and reduces its environmental impact, making it an appealing choice for countries seeking energy solutions with a smaller ecological footprint.
Additionally, the sector’s safety record has been greatly improved by technical developments and strict safety regulations. Safety, fuel economy and waste reduction are given top priority in contemporary reactor designs. We can further increase nuclear power’s sustainability and safety by investing in research and development.
This is why, instead of banning energy sources, it is crucial to build a resilient energy mix that includes renewables. Also, pursuing technological advancements that reduce emissions from fossil fuel energy plants, such as carbon capture and storage or efficiency improvements, need to be prioritized. We can have cleaner power production while also meeting the rising global energy needs without creating chaos.
For that to happen, the agenda must be purely environmental and not political, nor biased toward a single energy source. As an example, nuclear energy plays a significant role in France, accounting for about 70 percent of the country’s electricity generation. This helped the country weather the recent energy crisis. And so, let us not undervalue the promise of nuclear energy as we manage environmental challenges. This can all be achieved while still enjoying the best pizza.

• Khaled Abou Zahr is the founder of Barbicane, a space-focused investment syndication platform. He is chief executive of EurabiaMedia and editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.