Yes and also, nuclear power is really expensive. No one would ever invest in it without state help. No one insures it. The cost per watt is way to high and set to rise further with depleting uranium deposits. And much much higher, if it was mined in a slightly less destructive and exploitive way. Higher still if security precautions were forced to be up to date. Incredibly high, if waste was properly taken care of and the costs included in the calculation.

My dear friend, are you suggesting we masses have been sold lies?! Can you point me in the direction of more information, please?

Nuclear power was never profitable. The only reason it ever gets founded is because governments are motivated by the urge to amass more and more deadly nuclear weapons. Or keep that option open. Or to feed the industrial complex that grew around that.

The knee jerk cynic in me would be inclined to agree, but I'm very ignorant of the facts.

Compare that to all the genuine novel research that goes into solar and batteries. The advanced materials like complex semi conductor alloys. The clever techniques using the latest in quantum and nano technology. How they squeeze every bit of efficiency out of remotely collecting energy from the nuclear fusion in the sun, that’s already going on for free and at a save distance.

Digging up elements in general has problems. I'm ok with less problematic solutions but don't want to delude myself that it's more humane, and identifying problems can help us correct. I'm not knocking your solution, either. It feels more correct (yep, vibes, I really need more quality information. That's why I'm here).

I'm very interested in Chinese innovation, strengths, weaknesses and risks. It speaks for itself that my government is quick to dismiss, demonize and try to isolate China. It makes me more curious. After all, in the old fables, the serpent told the material truth. I'm getting too big for my britches here, let me leave well enough alone until I'm more informed.