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Red Tape Chokes Path to Next-Gen Nukes

Government must get out of the way of cheap, clean energy sources

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 24, 2009 9:05 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A handful of startups are designing an exciting new generation of modular nuclear reactors that could solve our energy woes, writes legendary tech investor Bob Metcalfe in the Wall Street Journal. Small enough to fit on a kitchen table, they’re cheap and safe and use non-weapons-grade fuel. “As an Internet guy, these reactors seem to me like the microprocessors that took over from huge air-conditioned mainframe computers,” Metcalfe writes.

But when Metcalfe’s venture capital firm took a look at funding these startups, it had to pass. It would have cost each company about $100 million over 5 years to get regulatory approval for the designs. That's one big reason no new reactor has been approved and built in the US in 30 years. We’re stuck with lumbering, old-fashioned plants, “which nobody but the utility companies likes much.”

The inside of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Yes, the plant is this old.
The inside of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Yes, the plant is this old.   (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
This April 2007 photograph, released by the Tennessee Valley Authority, shows the cooling tower of the single operating reactor at the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in Spring City, Tenn.
This April 2007 photograph, released by the Tennessee Valley Authority, shows the cooling tower of the single operating reactor at the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in Spring City, Tenn.   (AP Photo/Tennessee Valley Authority, file)
A detail of a simulator of a nuclear reactor control console is shown during a teaching session at the British Energy's Nuclear Power Academy on May 28 2008 in Gloucester, England.
A detail of a simulator of a nuclear reactor control console is shown during a teaching session at the British Energy's Nuclear Power Academy on May 28 2008 in Gloucester, England.   (Getty Images)
This June 9 2009, photo shows the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in Vernon, Vt.
This June 9 2009, photo shows the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in Vernon, Vt.   (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
JonmarkP
Jun 24, 2009 10:47 AM CDT
Never in history has there been a more expensive way to boil a cup of water. the Nuclear fans have but one goal-to ensure that energy is delivered through top-down distribution, that it comes from big corporations who can charge what they choose. PS If you read it in the Wall Street Urinal, it's a lie.
justme
Jun 24, 2009 7:41 AM CDT
All sources should be reviewed. Solar, wind, etc. are fine as far as they go but nuclear is by far the most reliable and least polluting in the long run. The new technologies are much better than the many plants that have been running for decades without problems.
newsrmandan
Jun 24, 2009 6:40 AM CDT
Classic example of well intended Gov regulations getting in the way of perfectly viable energy alternatives.

GE pushing modular units, too
Reuters

Efficient renewable energy a better bet than nuclear
Seattle Times

More loan guarantees expected for nuclear plants
MarketWatch

 
nuclear power • nuclear reactor • nuclear power plant • Nuclear Regulatory Commission • nuclear fission • Bob Metcalfe

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