Wind farms need millions of pounds of concrete and steel, cause noise pollution, and slay many birds. Beller approves of efforts to improve efficiency in producing and using electricity. But he says efficiency won't fully meet the needs for more energy. Nor will conservation. The power saved by conservation, often heavily subsidized, is twice as expensive in the US as generated power.
Nuclear power releases no noxious gases.
A ton of nuclear fuel produces energy equivalent to 2 million to 3 million tons of fossil fuel. A nuclear plant releases less radioactivity per person than a television set.