Nuclear Energy Frequently Asked Questions

[bananas]

Nuclear Energy Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is previous discussion of this FAQ?
A: This is the first version of this FAQ, there is no previous discussion.

Q: Is nuclear energy needed to stop global warming?
A: No, see "The full global warming solution" http://climateprogress.org/2009/03/26/full-global-warming-solution-350-450-ppm-technologies-efficiency-renewables/
summarized here: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/bananas/826

Q: Are nuclear industry cost estimates credible?
A: No, see Nuclear Engineering International Magazine: http://www.neimagazine.com/story.asp?storyCode=2047917
and comment by pro-nuke on Nuclear Energy Industry propaganda website: http://www.keystone.org/spp/energy/electricity/nuclear-power-dialogue

The fact that the "official" capital cost estimates for new reactors has been going up, oh, about 50% per year for several years now is annoying enough ($1000/kW ~7 years ago, then $1500/kW, then $2000, then $2500, and now I'm even hearing about $3000-$4000). Am I being lied to now or was I being lied to then? Inflation and materials cost escalation is nowhere near enough to explain this.

The answer is both, they were lying then and they are lying now, estimates by Moodys etc,..

Q: Can an existing reactor "go chernobyl"?
A: Yes, see Station Blackout issue, UCS, others.

Q: Can the new reactors "go Chernobyl"?
A: Yes - see ASN press release about leaked documents.

Q: Can "Generation IV" or "Gen 4" reactors "go Chernobyl"?
A: Yes - PBMR cancelled for that reason.

Q: How much damage was caused by Chernobyl?
A: Some people say only 50 people were killed by Chernobyl. They are wrong...

Q: Does coal release more radioactivity than nuclear energy?"
A: No.

Q: What does Stewart Brand consider the "most promising technology"?
A: Space Solar Power. http://motherjones.com/politics/2008/05/power-qa-stewart-brand

Q: Who is Patrick Mooore?
A: ...

[bananas]

1. I'll flesh this out

My intention is to post this periodically, about once a week or so,
each post will have a link to the previous post so that discussions are archived by google and easily accessible.

[joshcryer]

2. "Does coal release more radioactivity than nuclear energy..."

I'd like to see that justified and why the EPA says living within 50 miles of a nuclear plant has less radiation exposure than living within 50 miles of a coal plant.

[madokie]

3. Thats bullshit and you know it

[TheWraith]

5. No, it's not.

A coal plant releases 18 tons of raw uranium and thorium into the air every year. Even all the big bad tritium leaked out of Vermont Yankee doesn't hold a candle to that.

[TheWraith]

4. I think you mean "Coal industry 'facts' about nuclear power."

Since after all most of your facts are just massively wrong.

[kristopher]

6. You really don't understand the big picture do you?

The coal and nuclear industries are essentially one and the same.
Both are large scale central plants built by the same groups of interlocking corporate entities.
Both are large scale centralized thermal plants operated by the same entities.
Both are mining intensive and involve the same minerals mining corporations in the fuel supply chain.
Both concentrate power and money into the hands an economically elite class.

Even the demographics of support are the same for nuclear and coal. Both appeal to the group of citizens that are primarily concerned about energy security; a group that only cares about environmental issues (such as the externalities of coal and nuclear) ONLY when it is a means to a more selfish end (such as faux concern over AGW to promote nuclear).

So when you accuse people who are critical of nuclear power by saying they are in favor of coal, you sound just like a Otto in "A Fish Called Wanda". The people who are critical of nuclear are unwilling to accept the negative externalities of nuclear JUST LIKE they are unwilling to accept the externalities of coal. THEY are the ones who have led the charge against coal.

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Oct. 16-18, 2009. N=1,038 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

“To address the country’s energy needs, would you support or oppose action by the federal government to ?” (Half Sample)

"Increase coal mining"
Support 52, Oppose 45, Unsure 3

"Build more nuclear power plants"
Support 52, Oppose 46, Unsure 2

"Develop more solar and wind power"
Support 91, Oppose 8, Unsure 1

"Increase oil and gas drilling"
Support 64, Oppose 33, Unsure 3

"Develop electric car technology"
Support 82, Oppose 17, Unsure 2

"Require more energy conservation by businesses and industries"
Support 78, Oppose 20, Unsure 2

"Require more energy conservation by consumers like yourself"
Support 73, Oppose 25, Unsure 3

"Require car manufacturers to improve the fuel-efficiency of vehicles sold in this country"
Support 85, Oppose 14, Unsure 1

Asked of those who support building more nuclear power plants:
"Would you favor or oppose building a nuclear power plant within 50 miles of your home?"
Favor 66, Oppose 33