nuclear-news

USA unprepared for power losses from nuclear plants

 Nuclear chief questions emergency power at plants. 28 April 11 By Tennille Tracy, WASHINGTON -(MarketWatch)– The U.S. nuclear chief questioned Thursday whether U.S. nuclear plants are prepared to deal with major losses of power that last several hours or even days.

In a meeting of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko said existing standards for emergency power might not be “reasonable” given the damage that major catastrophes can cause at nuclear facilities…… In the wake of the Fukushima disaster, nuclear experts have raised questions about the adequacy of emergency power supplies at U.S. facilities. They have taken particular issue with nuclear plants that rely on batteries because the batteries have limited lifespans…… http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nuclear-chief-questions-emergency-power-at-plants-2011-04-28

April 29, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, USA