UK Sticks With Nuclear Power

Coisiche writes "Despite recent events in Japan and the certain public outcry that it will generate, the UK government proposes to build new nuclear power stations. Well, earthquakes and tsunamis are very rare here."

Comments

Not a problem

[calzakk]

Well, earthquakes and tsunamis are very rare here

A serious understatement. While the UK does have the very occasional tremor, they're so minor that nothing more than a single roof tile has ever moved*. There are no active volcanoes. And hurricanes/tornadoes/etc are extremely rare.

The UK must be one of the best places to build nuclear reactors.

* I'm just assuming this. The point is that they are incredibly minor compared to earthquakes experienced by most other countries.

Re:But what about the waste?

[MrHanky]

You mean you drop it into the ocean.

Re:Death per kwh?

[TheRaven64]

Why don't you ask your favourite search engine? This was the top hit for me. The important data (deaths per TWh):

• Coal – world average: 161 (26% of world energy, 50% of electricity)
• Coal – China: 278
• Coal – USA: 15
• Oil: 36 (36% of world energy)
• Natural Gas: 4 (21% of world energy)
• Biofuel/Biomass: 12
• Peat: 12
• Solar (rooftop): 0.44 (less than 0.1% of world energy)
• Wind: 0.15 (less than 1% of world energy)
• Hydro: 0.10 (europe death rate, 2.2% of world energy)
• Hydro - world including Banqiao): 1.4 (about 2500 TWh/yr and 171,000 Banqiao dead)
• Nuclear: 0.04 (5.9% of world energy)

So, Nuclear power is 3-4 times safer than wind, and twice as safe as hydro-electric.

Re:Obvious

[rainmouse]

Had a look at a topographical map of Norway lately? Now, compare it to one of the UK.
Hydro power doesn't work everywhere in the world.

-jcr

Not to mention the fact that the UK has 15.25 times the population of Norway.

Re:Good!

[somersault]

Sure we invest in wind farms and tidal generators. I work for a company that has designed and is building a tidal turbine, and I've heard talk about wind energy projects. I still think it's important to continue with nuclear as well. I'm glad that our government doesn't seem as dumb and panicky as certain others.