Whatever happened to nuclear power? Do we have to have it? Is it safe?

Question

The U.S. Government recently passed a new law giving huge benefits to new nuclear power projects. And what happened?

Answer 1

nuclear power is not as dangerous as every one thinks. We have several reactors in the usa and there has not been an accident in over 30 years. They do however pose very tempting terrorist targets. The oil suppy is shrinking. So we must have something to fall back on. Solar is not going to produce enough to replace oil. Not even close. However because of law suits by enviromentalists we will never see another new nuke power plant in the US till we have a major energy crisis. Thats how we got the alaska pipeline. We knew about the oil in alaska for over 10 years but could not get it out till after we had an energy crisis and then and only then could we build the pipeline. So next crisis you can expect to see a new power plant get started. It however will be years before it is completed and can contribute to the energy demands of the US.

It is still safe and it is still producing power in the US. Just wait for the next crisis to see more talk about it. That will be in about 2 years.

Answer 2

There are two urgent reasons to consider nuclear power.
1) The CO2 levels are rising and so is global temperature. We don't know all consequences of this but they are most likely far rising. Nuclear power does not release any CO2.
2) Oil is running out. Coal is energywise a solution, but is far more polluting than oil. Alternative solutions like wind and solar energy are still in their beginnings, while nuclear power is an established technology. For instance: one needs 50-100 times as many wind turbines installed to replace all existing gas and coal fired power stations.

Answer 3

First of all it takes 10 years to build a nuclear power plant so there is a very long lead time. Second, there is a lot of inirtia against building them. The permits required take another 10 years not to mention all of the law suits that have to be resolved. Would you want to build one facing all of that and figuring you would not receive a return on investment for 20 years if ever?

Answer 4

Overall, it's extremely safe. Plants have been powering Europe for well over 30 years without incident. In fact, it's in use in many parts of the world now.

Great solution to energy issue and very efficient too!

Answer 5

nuclear power works and is environmentaly friendly.Cold water goes in one side and then is heated up and makes steam which turns the generator and makes power.Then some warm water is realesed and repeat process.NEW CLEAR Was what the definition original intent was if i recall.

Answer 6

Me myself don't think we really need nuclear power. They've come up with solar power and other resources. Also, I think that nuclear power is very dangerous. But that's only my opinion.