3 ms·
Make RTGs out of it! https://xkcd.com/2115/ https://xkcd.com/2115/ Even with all of these issues nuclear is the least deadly energy source! More people fall of
by blamestross 7y ago
Make RTGs out of it!
https://xkcd.com/2115/ https://xkcd.com/2115/
Even with all of these issues nuclear is the least deadly energy source! More people fall off roofs putting it solar panels then have been effected by nuclear disasters.
- lizknope 7y agohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioisotope_thermoelectric_generator https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioisotope_thermoelectric_ge... Most RTGs use 238Pu Unlike the other three isotopes discussed in this section, 238Pu must be specifically synthesized and is not abundant as a nuclear waste product. At present only Russia has maintained consistent 238Pu production[dubious – discuss], while in the US, no more than 50 g (1.8 oz) were produced in total between 2013 and 2018.[15] The US agencies involved desire to begin the production of the material at a rate of 300 to 400 grams (11 to 14 oz) per year. If this plan is funded, the goal would be to set up automation and scale-up processes in order to produce an average of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) per year by 2025.
- 08-15 7y agoThe USSR manufactured a number of RTGs using Sr-90. Sr-90 is roughly as energetic as Pu-238, but requires more shielding. It has the advantage that it doesn't need to be manufactured, because it is one of the more abundant fission products.