Let’s make nuclear power safe

Enough already with the problems with nuclear power.

Yes, we know there can be accidents. We know that humans will always be humans and that we have to monitor behaviours, etc. We also know that companies don’t like to make losses, so will delay on decisions.

Are we really saying that these aren’t solvable? Aren’t we really just using the ‘known’ problems with nuclear power as an excuse not to do it.

How about we flip the question on its head and ask how we can make it safe?

• How do we ensure containment in case of accident?
• How do we minimise the chance of a runaway reaction (i.e. make systems self-damping)?
• How do we deal with radioactive materials to minimise the chance of it falling into the wrong hands?
• How do we control nuclear proliferation?
• How do we dispose of, or store nuclear waste?

If we are serious about climate change and recognise the need to provide lower carbon energy to the world’s rapidly developing and growing population then we need to focus on solutions. Nuclear power is a solution - so let’s make it happen.

Note: I work as a project and energy economist with companies and governments on geosequestration,wind, geothermal, hydro, wave, transmission networks, coal seam gas, coal,and more. The views expressed in this blog are solely my own and do not represent the views of any organisation that I do work for.