The Wall Street Journal reported recently that four new American nuclear plants are now slated for construction, beginning the revival of the American nuclear industry. Construction would begin in 2011, with plants coming online in 2015 or 2016. Substantial federal subsidies will be needed; in all 7 new plants would be added to the 104 now operating, at a $40B minimum estimated cost. Team Obama sees nuclear as part of carbon emissions reduction. The WSJ article listed country shares of electric power provided by nuclear energy: FR 76, GER 28, JAP 25, USA 20, CAN 15, UK 13, MEX 4.
One venture capitalist notes that the new plants are small & modular, unlike the mammoths of earlier generations, thus offering more safety. While this is heartening news I am advised by one nuclear power maven that there are still better nuclear technology options. Perhaps these will be given a chance if more plants are approved.
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