Originally posted by: Hafen
While I think Nuke reactors will be part of an energy policy, I don't think we can just plan on building enough of them to dig us out of the hole. Its ignoring all the cons of nuke plants.
As said, the supply of ore isn't unlimited, and 2nd of all, we haven't figured out what to do w/ the waste. That's a pretty big F'ing deal. Nevada will have to be drugged before they open the repository, and even then the issue of collection and transport isn't anywhere near solved. Also, people don't want plants near them, rational fear or not. Building at least 1 per state =huge lawsuits and delays.
Also, power from nukes is expensive. Elect prices will go up vs other types of plants. Lastly, don't forget about terrorism. Again, is everybody going to be ready to build tens of terror rich targets all over the country? More protests and lawsuits.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I hear from nuclear proponents that Uranium is in ten-thousand year supply and thorium will be usable after that. And modern nuclear plants are some of the strongest, most well-guarded places on earth. I can't remember how many feet of reinforced concrete the walls are but suffice it to say, a 747 wouldn't do much provided they could even hijack one these days.
