Originally posted by detachedindividual
First off, lets clear one thing up, Nuclear power is NOT CLEANER.
It just leaves more dangerous waste for future generations to deal with. Whether you pump it into the sky as pollution, or bury it in the ground as nuclear waste, it's still not clean energy.
I can confirm this sentiment having worked with people in the domestic nuclear energy industry. Canada used to produce and export something called the Candu Reactor. They've phased it out. There are no significant advantages and a large hidden downside.
Something rarely discussed is the risk of accidents. Though they may seem mathematically low, one in 5000, start multiplying the number of reactors by the number of years and the probability goes way up. I've seen a actuarial table. It's calculated no matter how well built and secure the systems, human error, mechanical failure, negligence, bad luck, will eventually lead to an uncontrolled disaster.
The extreme damage and enormous cost of clean up pretty much outweigh the slim economic benefits.
Mike
