3 ms·
>> civilian nuclear power plant operators Maybe you just solved the problem. The Navy should operate the civilian nuclear power plants.
by newsoul2019 7y ago
>> civilian nuclear power plant operators
Maybe you just solved the problem. The Navy should operate the civilian nuclear power plants.
- mimixco 7y agoThe problem is scale. Today's nuclear plants are just big scaled-up versions of the Navy's original small reactors for ships. Unfortunately, scaling the power output also scales the risks and consequences of an accident.
- jwr 7y ago> Today's nuclear plants are just big scaled-up versions of the Navy's original small reactors for ships This is true, and Perrow's book contains an interesting discussion of this. The Navy had requirements which are different from civilian power generation: they needed small and relatively lightweight reactors whose power output can be quickly adjusted, and where fuel can be replaced quickly. None of these requirements make sense for a stationary civilian power plant.
- pdonis 7y ago> None of these requirements make sense for a stationary civilian power plant. Yes, and not having to meet those requirements makes the reactor easier to design, operate, and maintain.
- pdonis 7y agoI've had the idea for some time that the US government could easily expand nuclear generating capacity by simply passing a law providing for a nuclear reactor, operated and maintained by US Navy personnel, to power every military base on US territory. Any excess power produced by the plants would be sold to the commercial grid at prevailing rates, or even at a slight discount. The program would probably pay for itself.