I tend to agree with you about shutting down plants prematurely. I'd note, cynically, that they are not shut down yet.

Your point about private returns is spot on, and it applies as much to nuclear as to renewables. Given the context we live in (no public sector investment as imposed by the EU), renewables can get lower cost of funding, if the regulatory framework is done right, than nukes can, because risk will be perceived as lower.

Wind power