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Nuclear fission power is a good base power supplier for electrical grids, if properly managed and operated. It emits far fewer toxic and radioactive substances
by mikewarot 4y ago
Nuclear fission power is a good base power supplier for electrical grids, if properly managed and operated. It emits far fewer toxic and radioactive substances than coal fired power plants (leaving aside the CO2).
It does NOT, however, solve the problem of liquid fuels necessary for most of our global transportation infrastructure. It does take the strain off of those uses where they are consumed for electricity generation, so that's a plus.
We've got an energy crisis rapidly approaching as the energy required to get a barrel of oil out of the ground begins to reach break-even. If we fail to make the adjustments in time, we're in for a great simplification of society, with all the collapse and death that implies. Nuclear is a bridge we should use to reach that post-oil future.
- hakfoo 4y agoI feel like the liquid fuel problem is much more manageable with a proper heirarchical transport model. Railways are easily electrifiable (century-plus proven technology). Rip out the Interstates and run networks of higher speed and local rail systems. Electrify existing freight corridors. Then you're just using liquid fuels for the relatively short last-mile journeys to or from a rail station. That's far less of a range anxiety problem, so even an old Leaf with 75km range will suffice for many. The problem isn't the technology, it's the political will to be able to say "No, you shouldn't/can't drive anymore" to hundreds of millions of people.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- mikewarot 4y agoHow are airlines or ships supposed to work? How are tug boats going to navigate the Mississippi?