What do you think of mainstream opposition to nuclear energy amongst green political groups?
I’m of the opinion that it’s far from a durable solution but shouldn’t be phased out as long as we don’t have a clear and viable plan to implement other renewable energy sources. What’s your take?
My view is that we are in a middle of a climate disaster and a mass extinction. While I’m all for renewables, I also recognize that we have a very short timeline to do anything meaningful, and at this point we have to be leveraging all the tools that we have at our disposal. If our biosphere collapses then everything else becomes a bit of a moot point.
The main arguments against nuclear power are the risks associated with accidents and waste processing. Modern reactors are quite safe however, and it looks like it may even be possible to make reactors that can’t have a meltdown. Meanwhile, there are a few approaches to reusing spent fuel. A few examples can be seen here, here, and here.
So, I don’t think that the problems associated with nuclear tech are intractable, and they’re a far better alternative to continuing using fossil fuels.
I also think that a lot more funding should be going towards fusion research as it eliminates waste and meltdown problems while also producing far more energy in the process.
That pretty much sums up my view as well
I just spent a week in nuclear research facility seminars and I can’t think of anything you’ve missed haha good job.
Currently people are working towards “walk away” reactor systems that do not need human interaction and will shutdown themselves. Waste is being reused and recycled producing nuggets of non-recyclable waste that can then be safely stored. While safely stored usually means mixed into concrete and buried there’s really no chance of contamination unless someone blows it up and even then.
We really need MSRs (molten salt reactors) asap. Many of their designs are walk away safe.