Florida needs nuclear power and new Gulf Coast refinery
Florida is successful and growing. To sustain this prosperity, and indeed, modern life, economic, abundant, and secure energy is required.
From recent experience in Texas, when power was lost for days from winter storms (freezing windmills), and in California, where brown-outs are actually under discussion as a means to reduce carbon emissions, the question arrises, what is Florida’s future?
While wishing to rely upon free-market capitalism to meet future needs, energy is heavily regulated and controlled. Government even considers banning gas cooking stoves. Indeed, last year Florida set a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050! Presumably, this is to be achieved with wind and solar technologies, which today account for less than 5%.
This fantasy should be confronted with candor and reality. The governor should create a Florida Energy Initiative consisting of a task force of the executive branch and industry experts.
The Initiative deliverable would be a high-level vision or plan for industry to consult. It would eschew government mandate and control while seeking to encourage and facilitate private enterprise and capital to address energy requirements.
Two elements the plan must include are nuclear energy and a Gulf Coast refinery.
Nuclear Energy
Major electricity providers should jointly conduct a study of power requirements for Florida in 2050. Such a study would encompass population growth, industry trends, decommissioning of old facilities, costs, and realistic technology assessments. The goal should be to provide ample and affordable power, and not rely upon consumer frugality.
Accepting conventional wisdom of the need to reduce “greenhouse gases,” low/no carbon energy should be encouraged via the proven and reliable science of nuclear energy.
Plans and budgeting should include the goal to increase the state’s current 12% usage of nuclear energy to 60% by 2050.
Analysis comparing nuclear power with other technologies must be included. It is assumed that Washington will mandate the closure of many carbon-based power plants. Full costing of green technology (including hurricane damage) must comprehend the cost of backup generation and actual availability (solar generation does not function at night.)
This study should be delivered to the governor by 15 January 2024..
Florida Gulf Coast Refinery
Realism requires recognition that road transportation for a growing Florida will remain significantly petroleum-based for the foreseeable future, perhaps more than 50 years. The reality is that distilled petroleum products remain essential to modern life.
The oil industry has not constructed a refinery in the United States in the past 50 years and closures are likely. This foretells supply shortages and consequent price increases.
Given Florida’s dynamic growth and the closeness of Gulf crude oil supply, the governor’s office should engage major American oil/energy companies and private investors to build a new “state-of-the-art” refinery on our Gulf of Mexico coast. Such a facility would incorporate all modern environmental safeguards and should be completed by 2030.
The state may consider assistance and incentives. The project may be best achieved by means of a joint venture: e.g. ExxonMobil, Sunoco, and others who currently market products in Florida.
Between existing marine import facilities and a state-located refinery, Florida will have a safe and stable energy base for transportation.
The actions on nuclear power and a new refinery, along with other recommendations from a Florida Energy Initiative will ensure safe, financially sound, and reliable energy for Florida’s future.
V. A. (Bud) Vesta, Ormond Beach
5 years US Army20 years Mobil Oil Corporation (USA, Europe & Japan)20 years The Toro Company (USA & China)
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida energy initiative should include nuclear energy, new refinery
