A Nuclear Waste Solution?
Maybe I spend too much blog time discussing nuclear power, but I feel there isn’t enough advocacy for a technology that has a place on our global energy future. A recent article in Science Daily describes a “4th generation or Gen IV” reactor technology that uses a closed fuel cycle greatly reducing radioactive waste. In fact, some of our current stockpile of radioactive waste may be able to be re-used with this reactor technology, greatly reducing the need for storage. The promise of this technology is before us, but only if we give nuclear power fair consideration when looking at our energy future.
Nuclear power isn’t seen favorably by a number of environmental groups and others concerned about the potential hazards that could result from waste generation and/or nuclear accidents. These are valid concerns that often drown out arguments in favor of nuclear power because arguments in support of nuclear power tend to be much more technical in nature and thus more difficult for the general public to grasp. That is why the engineering community needs to get informed and engaged in the discussion. We can understand the arguments for nuclear power and also have the capability of explaining it is a way that helps the public understand the arguments and form more informed decisions.
I encourage each of you to get informed by reading up on advances in nuclear reactor technology. Participate in public forums on our energy future and help us assure that all alternatives are given fair consideration.