Demo at Hinkley Point on first anniversary of Fukushima disaster. Demotix/Adela Nistora. All rights reserved.Technology tribalism is one of the continuing frustrations of the energy policy ‘debate’: my technology is better than yours, so I will oppose yours. Many renewable energy supporters oppose nuclear, and vice-versa. There is even tech tribalism between supporters of different renewable energy technologies. Solar, wind, biomass, hydro, marine renewables cannot even agree to be part of the same trade association.
The climate crisis is now so great that all low-carbon energy sources are required, along with dramatic progress on energy efficiency. The challenge is not to expand nuclear or renewables, but to expand nuclear AND renewables, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) too.
A transformational movement needs a clear opponent, but climate campaigners already have one: coal. The coal industry is a powerful enough global opponent to keep us busy for several decades. Arguing among ourselves about whose technology is best leaves the field clear for the worst energy technology – coal without CCS – to carry on destroying climate stability and so threatening the survival of humanity.
