A group lobbying for nuclear power to be explored to combat the climate crisis has blasted environment minister Eamon Ryan for not exploring it as an option in resolving Ireland's use of fossil fuels. Those comments were criticised by the 18for0 group, which claimed that “all available low-carbon technologies must be assessed urgently”. The group, self-described as experts in the field, said nuclear power must be explored for the “role it may play in our future energy system”. Replacing fossil fuel power stations with nuclear energy, where suitable, would enable a just transition for energy workers and optimise use of existing grid infrastructure, the report says. There is a strong economic case for nuclear energy in Ireland, which indicates good prospects for private or public financing, particularly for small modular reactors, it added.

Source: Irish Examiner December 29, 2020 21:00 UTC