Sweden recently fueled the global climate debate by abandoning its green energy goals and shifting its focus back to nuclear power. Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson referred to the need for a “more stable energy system” and pointed to the inherent instability of wind and solar energy sources.
Changing the target from “100% renewable” to “100% fossil-free” electricity is key to the government’s plan to meet the expected doubling of electricity demand to around 300 TWh by 2040 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/swedish-parliament-passes-new-energy-target-easing-way-new-nuclear-power-2023-06-20/
This decision provides a compelling argument against the widely perceived need to address climate change through a green energy transition and brings a much-needed reality check to the renewable energy discourse. Despite the urgency pushed by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Bank and the Biden government, Sweden is showing that stability and efficiency must take precedence over ideology.
Unstable and inefficient technologies, especially wind and solar energy, have been supported and implemented with the lofty goal of achieving 100% renewable energy. However, as Svantesson succinctly stated:
“This creates the conditions for nuclear power. We need more electricity production, we need clean electricity and we need a stable energy system.”
Sweden cancels renewable energy targets, Britain should follow
Nuclear power, she emphasized, creates these conditions.
The environmental campaign group Net Zero Watch echoed this opinion, stating that the Swedish decision was so
“An important step in the right direction, implicitly recognizing the poor quality of unstable wind and solar energy and part of a general loss of confidence in the renewable energy agenda that has been pushed in the Nordics and in Germany.”
Sweden cancels renewable energy targets, Britain should follow
Indeed, in the rush to implement a green agenda, the inefficiency and lack of stability of renewable energy sources has often been overlooked.
It is important to note that Sweden’s transition to nuclear power is not a step backwards but a step forward towards a ‘100% fossil free’ energy future. Nuclear power, along with hydropower and biomass, is considered an essential part of the energy mix that allows Sweden to avoid dependence on fossil fuels.
Svantesson’s warning to other Western nations currently stubbornly clinging to the renewable energy agenda is clear. Large industrial economies need a stable and secure source of energy to remain competitive – and nuclear power is key.
In addition, the goal of significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions is being called into question. Experts argue that the potential harms of this gas are uncertain and often exaggerated while the potential benefits are overlooked.
Sweden’s proposals to allow countries to extend subsidies for replacement coal-fired power plants also drew concern in the EU, while Stockholm also called for Brussels to water down a landmark law aimed at restoring decaying natural habitats.
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/swedish-parliament-passes-new-energy-target-easing-way-new-nuclear-power-2023-06-20/
dr Net Zero Watch Energy Director John Constable added an interesting perspective to the discussion.
“Living close to Russia sharpens the spirit, and the Swedish people want not only to join NATO, but also base their economy on an energy source, nuclear, that is physically sound and safe, as opposed to renewable energy, which neither are. For now, the UK government continues to live in a fantasy of their own making, but we are nearing the end of the green dream.”
Sweden cancels renewable energy targets, Britain should follow
The narrative that meeting the green agenda goals is the only way forward is beginning to be challenged. As other countries continue to strive for the green dream, they may need to pay more attention to Sweden’s new political direction. Sweden’s decision shows the importance of a pragmatic and clear assessment of renewable energy sources and their limitations. It underscores that the way forward is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution, but a strategic mix of different energy sources tailored to each country’s particular circumstances and needs.
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