nuclear-news

Future uncertain for USA’s nuclear industry

US govt says loans for nuclear plants complicated REUTERS Jan 15, 2010  Loan guarantees may be enough for only 2 new reactors
* Chu says reactors can store spent fuel on site 50 years

* Utilities should not complain about waste storage costs

By Tom Doggett

WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said on Friday that the process for approving federal loan guarantees for new nuclear power plants has become “complicated,” but the department still expects to issue its first loan deals very soon.

Congress authorized $18.5 billion for nuclear loan guarantees in 2005, hoping to revive development of the carbon-free source of energy. Investments in nuclear power have dried up on soaring costs following the 1979 accident at Three Mile Island………..

The companies that get loan guarantees would still have to complete the licensing process and secure private financing before construction of any new reactors begin.

US govt says loans for nuclear plants complicated | Reuters

January 17, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, USA | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear costs, nuclear wastes