10 myths about nuclear power

[jak731]

We also need to get away from the idea that energy is generated soly in power plants, we need to generate energy at a local level i.e. on our homes, offices and public buildings as well as giant stations.

Almost all small scale energy generation is expensive and ineffective. Solar panels are very expensive and produce very small amounts of power in this country, the only cost effective (for individuals) solar here is massively subsidised by the government.

Small scale wind:

http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/04/small-windmills-test-results.html

Small scale hydro can be effective but requires a river.

The best way to help the energy problem in homes and offices is to improve energy efficiency and be more careful in the way we use energy.

 

[Vonhelmet]

It's a good job we stopped using ocean liners after that one terribly high profile accident with the Titanic. Think how many lives could have been lost if we'd continued with such dangerous technology!

 

[craptakular]

Almost all small scale energy generation is expensive and ineffective. Solar panels are very expensive and produce very small amounts of power in this country, the only cost effective (for individuals) solar here is massively subsidised by the government.

Small scale wind:

http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/04/small-windmills-test-results.html

Small scale hydro can be effective but requires a river.

The best way to help the energy problem in homes and offices is to improve energy efficiency and be more careful in the way we use energy.

Well thats my point, one size doesn't fit all... use appropriate technology where it can be best used.

Wave and wind power are effective, but we can also have wind turbines on top of homes and offices to help generate power.

 

[jak731]

Did you look at the article on wind i posted? If you do some quick back of the envelope maths you see the best home turbine they tested would take over 40 years to pay back for itself and the worst about 2000 years. Large wind farms are the only effective way to get energy from wind. There are no forms of renewable generation that are worthwhile at home in this country, unless you happen to have a river in your garden.

 

[PhillyDee]

The issues with everyone having turbines, is that every time a turbine is erected, it interferes with the one behind it, creating more turbulence, less power, and reducing efficiency. Same goes for the river idea.

 

[Tefal]

OK but despite how safe nuclear is these days there is still always the risk. These days its most likely sabotage. Risk yes... today likely? Yes.

That's all im saying on that issue now.

likely?

If sabotage was "likely" then there would have been numerous cases of it in the cold war etc.

 

[House]

I'd love to get involved in this discussion but i cant for legal reasons.

I'll say one thing power generation needs to diverse and i personally believe that Nuclear should be a healthy percentage of that diversity.

 

[RaohNS]

They don't just let anyone work on nuclear sites here you know.

I know someone who is a nuclear engineer but was born in France and so is only permitted limited access to nuclear sites in the UK.

I know that, but if someone has the will to succeed it can be very difficult to stop it. Limited access or not if there was an opportunity.

Appeal to emotion. Also, spotlight fallacy

Yes its more likely, but still unlikely as you have an armed presence at all nuclear sites and more security then you or I will ever know to prevent things like this happening.

I recall Greenpeace breaking into a Nuclear site a few years after 9/11 and putting lettering up on the roof... and do you know what... not a shot was fired despite the guards being present as they were breaking in! This is the UK, had the guards shot any one of those activists they would have lost their job, cost the site millions in compensation and no doubt be followed by years of inquiries and independent investigations...

French authorities don't have the red tape...