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Not wanting to change the topic. But why on earth would you even consider nuclear power generation when you are in such a geologically unstable area? Sounds l

by bilban 16y ago

Not wanting to change the topic. But why on earth would you even consider nuclear power generation when you are in such a geologically unstable area? Sounds like idiocy to me. Fingers crossed here, could do without another man made disaster.

5l 16y ago
Why is this getting downvoted? It was the first thing that came to my mind too. Not only is the country prone to earthquakes, but as I understand, several of their power stations are built right on the east coast. It's possible to make a building like a skyscraper fairly earthquake proof, but is it really possible to make things like nuclear power stations earthquake proof? Assuming the building is made to 'wobble', wouldn't that wreak havoc on the cooling systems and other gear inside?
- Bud 16y ago
  Yes. It is possible: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf18.html http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf18.html It's not like they don't think of this stuff ahead of time. This was planned for.
Bud 16y ago
Because you need power and nuclear is the best way? Consider the facts: 1. The reactors in question here are now two technological generations old; they are old, fragile designs compared to more modern designs. 2. Japan just experienced one of the biggest earthquakes in world history, followed by a tsunami of a scope that makes Kurosawa's war scenes look like moving Legos around. 3. Despite this, there have been no catastrophic reactor failures. Zero. We're not out of the woods yet, but the smart money is on there being a couple minor incidents and no major incidents as a result of all this. I'd say the decision to build nuclear plants instead of, say, dozens and dozens of coal plants (which would have killed a lot of people by now with their pollution) is looking pretty smart.
dedward 16y ago
Probably won't have one -it's dangerous territory, but they are managing it. The Japanese are good at managing things, right? (right?) They have a mix of nuclear, hydro, and other power generating systems to meet their energy needs. Nuclear is one of the cleanest and least disruptive to the environment.
- bilban 16y ago
  Not sure about nuclear being the greenest, when you take into account mining for ore. I appreciate these were exceptional circumstances. But to be confronted with a nuclear disaster of any proportion is horrifying. Then it becomes an environmental catastrophe.

by bilban 16y ago

5l 16y ago

Why is this getting downvoted? It was the first thing that came to my mind too. Not only is the country prone to earthquakes, but as I understand, several of their power stations are built right on the east coast. It's possible to make a building like a skyscraper fairly earthquake proof, but is it really possible to make things like nuclear power stations earthquake proof? Assuming the building is made to 'wobble', wouldn't that wreak havoc on the cooling systems and other gear inside?

Bud 16y ago
Yes. It is possible: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf18.html http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf18.html It's not like they don't think of this stuff ahead of time. This was planned for.

Bud 16y ago

Because you need power and nuclear is the best way? Consider the facts: 1. The reactors in question here are now two technological generations old; they are old, fragile designs compared to more modern designs. 2. Japan just experienced one of the biggest earthquakes in world history, followed by a tsunami of a scope that makes Kurosawa's war scenes look like moving Legos around. 3. Despite this, there have been no catastrophic reactor failures. Zero. We're not out of the woods yet, but the smart money is on there being a couple minor incidents and no major incidents as a result of all this. I'd say the decision to build nuclear plants instead of, say, dozens and dozens of coal plants (which would have killed a lot of people by now with their pollution) is looking pretty smart.

dedward 16y ago

Probably won't have one -it's dangerous territory, but they are managing it. The Japanese are good at managing things, right? (right?) They have a mix of nuclear, hydro, and other power generating systems to meet their energy needs. Nuclear is one of the cleanest and least disruptive to the environment.

bilban 16y ago
Not sure about nuclear being the greenest, when you take into account mining for ore. I appreciate these were exceptional circumstances. But to be confronted with a nuclear disaster of any proportion is horrifying. Then it becomes an environmental catastrophe.