In the US in 2020, decommissioned nuclear generating capacity was replaced by six times as much wind and solar capacity. That only accounts for grid-scale capacity, not commercial projects like rooftop systems on large warehouses, or residential systems.
That tells you all you need to know. The people who make money off selling electricity are buying wind and solar.
Attention is focused on grid infrastructure improvements like HVDC, and battery storage systems. Battery systems are even being deployed privately; for example, it's a lot easier to locate an EV DC fast charging station if it sucks down a continuous ~20kW to charge its own power reservoir, than if it needs 300-400kW to directly charge two EVs at full speed.
I skimmed the summary of that UCS report and it seems very thorough and balanced. I would be interested in a rebuttal if an effective one is possible.
I was especially encouraged to see that they didn't advocate the complete dismantling of nuclear, only focusing efforts on improving proven light water reactor designs.
Monthly averages vary between 20% and 45% in the USA. As the most windy sites are built on first, these numbers could fall in deep decarbonization plans that rely on building in areas that have less wind.
That tells you all you need to know. The people who make money off selling electricity are buying wind and solar.
Attention is focused on grid infrastructure improvements like HVDC, and battery storage systems. Battery systems are even being deployed privately; for example, it's a lot easier to locate an EV DC fast charging station if it sucks down a continuous ~20kW to charge its own power reservoir, than if it needs 300-400kW to directly charge two EVs at full speed.