How can we bring solar power energy to our streets?

If Europe quit using nuclear power, what would be the impact on the job market and the global economy figures, considering that total consumption of power should reduce and that new industries and research should appear to achieve that?

• The nuclear power industry employs a given number of people, supports a number of engineering firms and has a measurable impact on European economy. These are all actual facts and figures we can find out about. If Europe were to stop using this energy, these jobs and firms would have to shut down or reconvert, but new industries and devices would have to be developed. On one hand different energy sources would have to be used, especially renewable sources; and on the other new efforts would have to be taken to reduce energy consumption: thermal isolation, energy management, more efficient tools and appliances, etc. This would have a positive impact in the economy: new firms developing new technology would bring in more wealth. Is there a way we can estimate and measure the impact this decision would have? Could it be that, all in all, the new jobs and technologies of this non-nuclear scenario could surpass the outcome of nuclear enterprises as of now? We should also take into account the possible negative consequences of a higher fossil fuel consumption, at least during a transitional period through the use of renewable energy sources. That would mean, among other consequences, more pollution (and health consequences) and a higher dependency on third countries' fossil fuel exports.

• Answer:

  One data point: no more electric power in . Well, OK, only a 75% reduction in electric power availability in France. I'm sure that won't devastate more than 75% of their economy and population ...