The Nuclear Mirage

(theenergymix.com)

4 points | by mensetmanusman 13 hours ago

1 comments

  • AmalS07 12 hours ago
    >But let’s not be fooled by the word “small.” Even a single SMR is a massive, highly radioactive industrial machine, capable of powering a mid-sized city.

    I don't understand this. We have made nuclear reactors to fit into a submarine with last century tech. What makes the author think that we can't make it smaller and safer?

    I have nothing against Solar Power but I have seen a lot of false marketing by presenting total installed capacity in the ranges of 1GW, 2GW etc. While in reality it should be have been multiplied by the capacity factor which is 0.25 in general for Solar and 0.85 in general for Nuclear.

    Makes no sense to compare total installed capacity of Solar with Nuclear since the capacity factors vary significantly.

    • LargoLasskhyfv 6 hours ago
      The reactors fitting into submarines have "enrichment issues", which is frowned upon for non-military/civilian uses.
    • pfdietz 12 hours ago
      Most ships in the US Navy burn oil to produce their power. Burning oil for the grid is close to insane, because oil is so expensive; the naval experience would say nuclear would be even worse.