nuclear-news

Downturn in prospects for nuclear power is shocking the industry

CNBC: Nuclear power has taken a beating — Engulfed by ‘cauldron of events’ — Staggering change from just a few years ago — Not many had forecast it would “all go wrong at once” http://enenews.com/cnbc-nuclear-power-beating-engulfed-cauldron-events-staggering-change-years-many-forecast-all-wrong
Title: Nuclear Power Falters, Engulfed by ‘Cauldron’ of Bad Luck
Source: CNBC
Author: Javier E. David
Date: May 13, 2013

Nuclear Power Falters, Engulfed by ‘Cauldron’ of Bad Luck

Once touted as a successor, or at least a competitor, to carbon-based power, the nuclear sector has taken a beating as the momentum behind new projects stalls and enthusiasm for domestic fossil fuel production grows.

Across the country, plans to build nuclear plants have hit roadblocks recently—a sharp turn for a sector that just a few years ago was looking forward to a renaissance. […]

The change in nuclear’s fortunes is staggering, given that the U.S. is the world’s largest producer of nuclear power […]

Peter Bradford, a law professor and a former member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

“Starting about four years ago, the industry felt it was in the middle of a renaissance”
“They’ve gone from that high-water mark to a point at which … we’re actually seeing the closing of a few operating plants, which was unthinkable even a few years ago”
[He] cited a “cauldron of events” for bringing the nuclear push to a standstill
“I don’t think there were many of us that forecast they would all go wrong at once”
“We don’t fight world hunger with caviar, and we’re not going to fight climate change with outlandishly expensive energy sources”

See also: “Inevitable nuclear power exit” in U.S.? Bulletin of Atomic Scientists exposes “dismal” and “extremely unattractive” situation

May 15, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, USA