Elon Musk backs more nuclear power, oil drilling to combat Russia
AxiosOct 12, 2021
The Facts
Billionaire Elon Musk has called for Europe to boost its nuclear-energy output and distribution, fearing a potential gas shortage due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine
In a tweet on Sunday, Musk stated it's "extremely obvious" that Europe should restart dormant nuclear power plants, as it's critical to national and international security
The Spin
Narrative A
This makes a lot of sense. These plants will provide an alternative means of energy to climate-dangerous fossil fuels, and make the continent more self-reliant, moving away from dependence on Russia.
Narrative B
Musk has been pushing nuclear energy for years. It's an adventurous idea, but there are too many risks involved. Restarting old nuclear reactors that have been dormant for long periods is complicated, and the world is still grappling with numerous past nuclear plant devastations.