This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Renewable Nuclear

Few issues cause the level of debate and sharing of ideas as the idea of renewable energy and sustainable energy development. The divide regarding the future of renewable energy is multi-faceted and complicated one. Oil & gas firms, politicians, regulators, and large users of energy (such as chemical companies) all have an opinion that they feel is worth sharing. Climate change hangs in the background as the ultimate behind this debate, as well as the looming threat of a shortage of oil and/or higher oil prices in the future.

Natural gas production, booming in the United States due to the use of technology such as fracking, has led many firms to take advantage of this cost reduction to either build new or expand existing manufacturing facilities. This trend, however, has its own set of detractors and supporters. The environmental impact of these technologies has still yet to be seen. In light of these debates, as well as the issues regarding solar and wind energy (heavy subsidies and the impact that the inconsistent production has on the power grid), an unlikely savior has emerged.

Nuclear energy.

Find out what's happening in Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Yes, nuclear power. In light of the environmental debates swirling around natural gas, the fear of rising oil prices, and the heavily subsidized nature of wind/solar, there are proponents advocating for an expansion of nuclear power facilities. Like anything else, however, there are pros and cons to this approach.

What do you think?

Find out what's happening in Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?