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> NB: You're replying to two different people. I saw that, after writing my piece, though. I think my main objection with your points is that I see nuclear as
by trashtester 4y ago
> NB: You're replying to two different people.
I saw that, after writing my piece, though.
I think my main objection with your points is that I see nuclear as an alternative to fossil fuels, NOT as an alternative to renewables.
As for each point, I will start with the last:
> Cost doesn't look great anymore when you include cleanup.
Actual harm caused by nuclear is miniscule when compared to fossil fuels. Chernobyl caused somewhere between 1000 and 100000 casualties, probably less than air pollution from fossil fuels cause EACH YEAR, only in Europe.
Wind and even hydro also create considerable environmental effects, so the alternative cost should not be seen as zero.
There is no evidence (at least not conclusive evidence) that exposure to radiation doses below 80-100mSv cause any health hazard, and a lot of the "cleanup" and other measures are done to prevent exposure to doses that are often below 10mSv per person, and are probably not needed.
> Corruption potential.
I live in a country with very low levels of classical corruption, luckily. I think corruption affects everything, and should be dealt with as a separate problem.
> Geopolitical. Adoption of nuclear outside of UK/France/USA/China/Russia ..
I suppose India should be added to your list. Anyway, some of the biggest deposits are in countries like Australia. Obviously, I don't want to force anyone to adopt nuclear, but it's a lot easier to find friendly suppliers of nuclear fuel than natural gas.
> Incomplete.
Same thing.
> Consistent overpromising.
40 years ago, reactors were typically built to only last 40 years. (They were also cheaper to build back then). Only newer models are designed for longer lifespans. Anyway, from my perspective, most reactors continue to deliver despite old age, if well maintained, and they don't shut down just because Putin has a temper tantrum.
If you're living in Europe, just imagine what the price of electricity would be if France's electricity depended on natural gas the same way the German does...