Just some general thoughts.
1. A major problem with the development of nuclear power in the US
(and the former Soviet Union) was that the programs grew out of weapons
and naval propulsion systems development. A number of bad choices were
made driven by the availability of technology and personnel from
defense programs. France and Japan have avoided this pitfall. Next
generation power plant proposals go much further.
2. While there is no perfect site (in the sense of anything can be
nitpicked), some very bad choices were made (Indian River) for economic
reasons. On the other hand, the NIMBY reaction to other plant sitings
(Shoreham) was both silly and effective.
3. Engineering controls and operating training for nuclear power
generation has made a world of difference in the operation of these
plants, resulting in much higher on line times. To a large extent this
was driven by Three Mile Island in two ways, first by exposing the need
for further training and better control systems, second, since it
became impossible to start new plants, it became necessary to improve
the performance of available plants.
4. While improvements in operation have extended the design life of
the nuclear power plants, we are rapidly approaching the time when many
will have to be decommisioned. What kind of plant will they be
replaced with is an important issue.
5. One is much for frightened by threats you do not understand then by
those you do. There is no better evidence than the attitude of
physicists to chemicals and chemists to electrical risks.
Eli Rabett
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