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Global “Nuclear power industry Resuscitation” threatened by safety risks in new reactors

This week’s protest underlines the uphill battle that nuclear power advocates face in bringing about the trumpeted nuclear renaissance — and not just in the United States.

Coalition: Design for New Nuclear Reactor Less Safe Than America’s Current Fleet Report Raises Questions Over Safety of Global Nuclear ‘Renaissance’, SolveClimate.com, by Stacy Feldman – Apr 23rd, 2010

A coalition of 12 environmental groups put U.S. nuclear energy regulators on the hot seat this week by declaring that the leading design for new reactors is unsafe and appealing to officials to investigate.

“We call upon Energy Secretary Chu and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Jaczko to recall the dangerously flawed AP1000 design before accidents occur and more tax dollars are wasted,” the AP1000 Oversight Group said.

The coalition’s claims are based on a new report that disclosed a dangerous flaw in the AP1000’s “containment,” a leak-tight structure surrounding the reactor. It is supposed to stop radiation from seeping out in the event of an accident…..

This week’s protest underlines the uphill battle that nuclear power advocates face in bringing about the trumpeted nuclear renaissance — and not just in the United States.

In February, the UK’s nuclear watchdog voiced concerns with Westinghouse that the AP1000 may not be able to withstand severe weather or a direct airplane hit.

Coalition: Design for New Nuclear Reactor Less Safe Than America’s Current Fleet | SolveClimate.com

April 24, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 2 WORLD, technology | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear wastes, Westinghouse