3 ms·
> why can't we do nuclear Because the free market is not willing to bear the risks - even when you ignore the whole "nuclear waste" and "meltdown" part. The co
by crote 3y ago
> why can't we do nuclear
Because the free market is not willing to bear the risks - even when you ignore the whole "nuclear waste" and "meltdown" part. The construction costs are extremely high and basically guaranteed to wildly exceed initial estimates, while electricity price is highly volatile.
The only way companies are interested in building reactors is by having a guaranteed government subsidy. For example, Sizewell C in the UK has negotiated a guaranteed electricity price of £119 / MWh. The long-term electricity spot price in the UK for 2013-2021 is closer to £70, so taxpayers have to pay an additional £49 / MWh in subsidies. Good luck selling that to the nuclear-skeptic taxpayers.
- bubbleRefuge 3y agoGovernments like the US federal gov, who are currency issues can afford anything . Where did the 7 trillion dollar covid spending come from ? What we cannot afford is to do nothing and maintain the status quo. Federally funded nuclear with plug in electric is the path to prosperity.