A new kind of nuclear power plant could dramatically change the way remote communities are powered. But opponents argue that the new technology is a disaster waiting to happen.
The pros for nuclear power are similar to the pros for renewable energy: power is produced without ongoing carbon dioxide emissions. But nuclear has critical advantages that renewables lack: it isn't intermittent, it is highly scalable, and it can be adapted to energy peaks and slumps throughout the day. It pairs very well with intermittent renewables in keeping the grid stable and clean.
But nuclear incidents have to be taken extremely seriously. Complicating the situation still further, nuclear power is somewhat of a paradox: it falls into the very low-risk category, meaning it’s highly unlikely that anything bad will happen. But it is also in the extremely high potential consequence category, where a major accident could have sweeping long-term consequences.
Many nuclear naysayers have failed to understand the difference between fail-safe and fail-proof designs. To be fail-safe means that if an accident does take place, the system goes to a safe state. A simple example of this is an electrical fuse. If too much current tries to flow across the fuse, it melts and stops the flow of electricity. Modern nuclear plants are designed to provide fail-safety using technologies that weren’t available in the early day of nuclear energy .
By contrast, environmentalists expect nuclear designs to be fail-proof – an unreasonable metric that is unlikely to be achieved. No energy source is fail-proof:
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Wave Power: The Latest Genius Green Energy Solution to Climate ChangeThese women are harnessing the power of Mother Nature to save the planet.
Weiterlesen »
Lost Pacific Crest Trail hiker rescued in snowstorm'I really think I owe them my life because ... I couldn't have made it another night. My sleeping bag and tent are just completely soaked and probably ruined and I have no dry clothes.'
Weiterlesen »
Secondary circuit of Iran's Arak nuclear reactor to be operational within two weeks: officialThe secondary circuit of the Arak heavy water nuclear reactor will be operationa...
Weiterlesen »
Parents, Exercise Caution With Those Popular Baby Neck FloatsParents, exercise caution with those popular baby neck floats
Weiterlesen »
A Giant Floating Unicorn Island Exists And We Want To Go ThereIf you haven't booked your summer vacation, allow us to suggest this magical floating unicorn island in the Philippines.
Weiterlesen »