New study from Vermont discusses the cost of nukes. I particularly enjoyed this quote from a former NRC Commissioner. See full story at the link below.
JBK
Commenting on the study, former U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission member Peter Bradford said: "This study makes clear that new nuclear reactors can only be built if taxpayers or customers assume the very large risks that investors would normally bear in the U.S. economy. Such subsidy to a mature industry - already heavily subsidized - is contrary to the fundamental free enterprise principles that protect customers and allocate resources efficiently. The risks of cost overruns, reactor cancellation, poor operation and the development of less costly competitors are real. All have happened to nuclear power in the U.S. before. If the enormous financial burden of assuming these risks falls on the taxpayers (in the form of loan guarantees), it will increase our national deficit and crowd out other borrowers needing federal credit support. If it falls on customers (in the form of ratemaking guarantees), it will create additional economic hardship and job loss ... Setting a quota of 100 new nuclear reactors by a certain date presumes - against decades of evidence to the contrary - that politicians can pick technological winners. Such a policy combines distraction, deception, debt and disappointment in a mixture reminiscent of other failed federal policies in recent years."
Marc Vayssières marcv@DCN.DAVIS.CA.US 6/22/2009 11:42 PM >>>
An interesting study reported on nuclearpowerdaily.com:
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/100_New_Reactors_Would_Result_In_Up... l
Marc Vayssières
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