It is unfortunate that The Day continues to publish articles noting imagined carbon-free power from the Millstone power plant (for example, “Dominion presents Millstone Benefits,” (Jan. 25); “Millstone bill advances to hearings this week,” (Feb. 5). Indeed, Millstone is a critically important generating asset in the region, but the carbon-free claim is scientific rubbish. While the nuclear power generation process itself does not generate carbon dioxide, the entire fuel cycle generates very significant emissions via mining, transport, isotope enrichment, fuel processing and fabrication, and final disposal of spent fuel. In addition, construction of nuclear plants − these utilizing abundant concrete − establishes a large carbon debt that, with regard to fossil-fueled alternatives, requires time to cancel. 

Important renewable energy systems including hydropower, solar, and wind today also have massive industrial bases fueled by fossil sources, primarily oil. To achieve a truly renewable energy future that in fact is carbon-free, we must have total life-cycle systems that at every stage are powered by renewable sources. This will be difficult, given vastly-diminished fossil sources that are affordable. It is time for a poorly-informed, magical-thinking populace to plan for a future that is, in technical terms that we understand, feasible. 

Robert L. Methot, Ph.D.

Norwich