Solar panels, wind turbines, and transmission grids are exposed to the elements and deteriorate to a point where they need to be replaced every 20 years, or less, if there are extreme weather events or they are in a particularly corrosive environment. As a result, the wind turbines and solar farms built between 2020 and 2030 will need to be replaced between 2040 and 2050, if not sooner. Batteries also loose efficiency based on repeated cycling and last between 10 and 20 years.

By comparison, nuclear reactors are sealed inside a containment building that is highly durable, and it protects the nuclear reactor and associated plant from external climatic conditions. As a result, nuclear reactors can have an effective operating life of between 80 and 100 years, with ongoing maintenance that is factored into energy costs, and typical two planned closures at 30 year intervals, to replace pumps and steam generators.

The impact of a much shorter lifespan for wind turbines, solar panels and batteries can’t be under-estimated. Effectively by 2050, there will be an overlap between new greenfield project and wind turbine, solar farm and battery replacement projects. Additionally waste from these projects is either left to pollute the environment, goes to landfill or is recycled and as a result adds to the cost and pollution footprint of renewables projects.