New York’s renewable energy dreams are grand and come with difficulties according to the New York Post. But it is with the small, nuclear reactors that former Governor Pataki calls for a push towards more realistic solutions for facing the escalating energy demands of the state: diversification of energy portfolio and infrastructure gap solutions for-a cleaner future integrated with reliable power.

Ex-Governor Pataki cautions about energy shortage that can go up to 50% during the renewable transition of New York

Pataki, the former governor, capped the discussion yesterday on WABC’s The Cats Roundtable by questioning: “Where do you go when the wind does not blow; when the sun does not shine?” He has contended that the reliance of New York State on wind and solar energy leaves the state with a huge energy gap between demand and supply.

According to Pataki, this gap would nearly approach 50% by 2040 while it will double during the same period, considering the total energy needs of the state. The 2019 Climate Act requiring these tremendous energy goals was enacted under former governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration. Those aims are worthy in intent, but their reality has been questioned by energy experts and business leaders, most of whom have called the targets impractical considering today s energy infrastructure and planning.

Nuclear energy: A dependable companionship in the clean energy future of New York, Pataki states

In an address before the assembly, Pataki-his third Missouri Republican-governor-said this is small modular nuclear reactors and as a remedy to energy shortfalls. “We have to begin planning for new sources of energy;” he kept saying-in context-small nuclear reactors are a possibility.

Such reactors have been serving as safe and reliable sources of nuclear energy for generations for submarines and aircraft; they build up their power for whole communities at zero emission. The former governor put a little more fire into it: to get nuclear added into New York’s strategy for all their clean energy.

Oh, I hope the state gets its act together and starts looking at that right away,” she added. “The nuclear energy,” which is apparently never considered when renewable energies are discussed, is completely different because it provides power consistent and reliable with the intermittencies of wind and solar.

Hochul’s office has acknowledged that the goal of creating a clean energy future for New York can include nuclear energy. During the energy summit in September, Hochul and state officials suggested that nuclear reactors might become part of a larger strategy, but details are unclear.

Gas stove debate exemplifies hurdles in transition to green New York

It seems that the electrification movement in the state has finally come with some hassle. Earlier this year, Governor Hochul introduced the idea of placing a ban on gas stoves to promote switching to electric stoves and all buildings in use starting next year. Public reaction to the proposal was most intense disapproval. Critics hold that mandates, though fulfilling environmental goals, place burdens on residents financially and logistically.

The greater debate on energy in New York illustrates a larger national debate revolving around the balancing act between ambitious environmentalism and practicability. With the proposed shortfall of energy looming overhead, experts like Pataki argue that it is time for more short-term pragmatic solutions to bridge the gap.

Indeed, the renewable energy aspirations of New York elucidate the complexities of moving toward a cleaner future. Though some goals, such as net-zero emissions by 2040, set the state on the path to progress, work is still needing in the way of serious energy planning and infrastructural gaps.

Key to this strategy might be including some small-scale nuclear reactors, which could contribute a stable, zero-emission power source to the grid. Although the energy debate rages on, solutions could be among the most practical paths to achieving any of these lofty goals.