Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Why aren't we relying on nuclear power? (with Isabelle Boemeke)
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Dec 17, 2025 
In this conversation with Isabelle Boemeke, a passionate advocate for clean energy and founder of Save Clean Energy, listeners dive into the complexities of nuclear power. She discusses why the fear of nuclear energy often overshadows the deadly risks of fossil fuels. Boemeke demystifies storage challenges, energy costs, and the public perception surrounding nuclear accidents. She emphasizes the need for firm baseload power and better regulatory frameworks to encourage safer and more efficient nuclear deployment. Her insights aim to reshape attitudes toward this powerful energy source.
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Standardization Beat Exotic Reactor Variants
- Historical trials showed many exotic reactor designs had low capacity factors due to complexity and maintenance demands.
- Standardized light-water large reactors achieved better uptime and cost performance at scale.
Dam Collapse Killed Far More Than Chernobyl
- Isabelle recounts major energy disasters: a hidden 1979 Chinese dam collapse killed ~200,000 and dwarfs many nuclear accidents.
- She contrasts that with Chernobyl's confirmed immediate fatalities (59) and estimated later cancer deaths (~4,000).
Per-Unit Safety: Nuclear ~ Renewables
- Measured by deaths per unit energy, nuclear is as safe as wind and solar and slightly safer than hydro (with one catastrophic hydropower outlier).
- Media focus on rare nuclear accidents skews public perception of comparative risks.
