When you try to dismiss nuclear, what alternative "clean energy" can you "turn on" when experiencing increased demand in energy? Can you turn on the sun or the wind?
1- what is the response time and the cost for alternative generation: Biomass is a valid 'on demand' alternative here. Geothermal + Tidal, while still intermittent are more predictable (like the Sun) hence it's easier to design ahead. Which is quite useful when it comes to deployment You can read more here: https://courses.edx.org/assets/courseware/v1/95ea4a6731bff7e...
2- what other demand-respond can be achieved/deployed (i.e.: storage and demand side response). For instance hydro is a very good solutions here, malten salt storage, and hydrogen are upcoming technologies. More on flexibility here: https://courses.edx.org/assets/courseware/v1/416cc82fc233d20...