TXU scraps coal plant plans, turning to nukes

#4
#4
Where are we going to come up with the uranium to power all these new nuclear plants?

It seems like everyone's already projecting a massive supply shortfall with all of the nuc. plants being built worldwide. Building even more doesn't seem to do anything to ease the problem.
 
#9
#9
What happened to the "Breeder" reactor idea? I thought reactors could produce fuel and that the biggest issue is handling the waste?
 
#10
#10
This is good news. The two big things we need to be doing before oil prices really spiral out of control is to A) build dozens of nuclear reactors, and B) start restoring our railroad system to something better than a third-world level. That way, in decades to come we'll at least be able to keep the lights on and move people and goods around the country.
 
#11
#11
volinbham said:
What happened to the "Breeder" reactor idea? I thought reactors could produce fuel and that the biggest issue is handling the waste?
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From what someone told me, the reason the breeder reactor had construction halted is because now that the US is dismantling most of it's nuclear arms, there is not an economic incentive to build them. There is enough weapons grade uranium that can be used to fill all of the US needs from the dismantled weapons...

I still think we need to be heading in that direction, but oh well...

Interesting fact is that they dug (from what I heard) the largest manmade hole in the world :crazy: in Oak Ridge TWICE in the 1970's but carter ended up throwing up his hands and killing the project.

Anyone got any info about this?
 
#12
#12
Vercingetorix said:
This is good news. The two big things we need to be doing before oil prices really spiral out of control is to A) build dozens of nuclear reactors, and B) start restoring our railroad system to something better than a third-world level. That way, in decades to come we'll at least be able to keep the lights on and move people and goods around the country.
Click to expand...

Shhh... that makes too much sense. :crazy:
 
#15
#15
I don't have a problem with nuke power myself, just pointing out that there are a lot of nuke plants being built around the world. And due to the market forces present in the uranium market, the cost of power produced by these plants will be going up, probably considerably.

Locally produced solar power seems like the best "green" solution to increased demand in the energy market to me. Unfortunately, production costs don't seem to have come down much yet to make it viable alternative for any but the wealthy at this point.
 
#16
#16
Solar power is also one of the least efficient options available right now...right up there with a 15th Century watermill.
 
#17
#17
therealUT said:
Solar power is also one of the least efficient options available right now...right up there with a 15th Century watermill.
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Efficiency may not necessarily be an issue so long as it produces enough. Solar definitely has the least amount of environmental consequences.
 
#18
#18
jdsa said:
Efficiency may not necessarily be an issue so long as it produces enough. Solar definitely has the least amount of environmental consequences.
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As long as you decide not to think about the production process for solar panels...

If you are not concerned with efficiency, a wooden watermill or wooden windmill is most likely your best "environmentally pleasing" option. Other than that, the people living off inefficient solar panel are just not thinking about the manufacturing process.
 
#19
#19
jdsa said:
Where are we going to come up with the uranium to power all these new nuclear plants?

It seems like everyone's already projecting a massive supply shortfall with all of the nuc. plants being built worldwide. Building even more doesn't seem to do anything to ease the problem.
Click to expand...

I took a course in college called energy conservation and conversation in the early 90's.

If I remember correctly, the info they had then Nuclear Fuel reserves were large enough for the next 200 yrs + compared to an estimated 80 years for petroleum. Nuclear reserves were far and away greater then other forms of energy.
 
#20
#20
jdsa said:
Locally produced solar power seems like the best "green" solution to increased demand in the energy market to me. Unfortunately, production costs don't seem to have come down much yet to make it viable alternative for any but the wealthy at this point.
Click to expand...

You have no idea what you're talking about.

Find me a solar farm that can generate 1500 MW like a nuke plant, and I guarantee you that it would probably take up an area the size of Blount County.
 
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