[Deathridesahorse]

Originally Posted by Wobs

Especially if we don't go nuclear.


Maybe if we say it enough it will sink in:
Solar and wind provide a different type of supply to nuclear. It is not an either/or argument. Most people who are in favour of nuclear are not against these technologies.


Because we rather like being alive. But seriously, you really need to consider that our demand for energy on tap is not just some greedy evil habit, but a means to live a quality life. A means to look after the vulnerable, to support an economy that, on the whole, is successful and has brought health and prosperity to millions. To ignore nuclear will be to put all that in jeapody for no good reason. It is an irrational fear that is holding society back.
However, your self loathing is showing. Well done for your honesty.



Whenever this discussion raises its head, energy efficiency gets mentioned as if its a forgotten cousin in the back room. The irony is that it always gets mentioned.

But while energy efficiency is relevant in the big picture, it is not relevant to this discussion. Cutting demand by a few percent (even tens of persent) will not negate the need for more nuclear plants.

There is no reason why we shouldn't build more to cut emissions and provide a reliable afforable supply. In the UK we need to use less coal, far less gas (f*** Russia), and increase some wind and tidal. But none of that will prevent the building of a single nuclear plant. If you think it will, you don't undertsand about grid stability, or economics.

The waste issue isn't a problem, as we have the geology to deal with it (in 500 years time it will be less radionactive than when it was first extracted). The safety issue has been proven through a lack of incidents on existing plants with the designs planned, and the risk is so infintesimally small, we would be mad not to invest in more nuclear.

You emotional rant unfortunately betrays you.

Originally Posted by Besoeker

Good post, Wobs.
I don't disagree with any of it. I think the above points are a pretty good summary.
I'd go further. Successive UK governments did not give the green light for nuclear power until recently.
Old nuclear is being de-commissioned.
The gestation period for new nuclear may be too long to avert the "power crunch" UK is facing.
Projects like the new gas turbine plant at West Burton, a stop-gap attempt, is like p1ss1ng in the wind.

We, UK, just need to get on with it. Not soon. Now.

He thinks if we don't go Nuclear we are all going to die: How can you call that a good post?