How Startups can Save Nuclear Technology

Uranium (Nuclear Minerals) / Nuclear Power - Economics, Design, & Industry

Date posted: 07/27/15

Katie Fehrenbacher reports that a growing number of nuclear startups are trying to solve the world most pressing problem. But a recent disturbing report predicts that despite a colossal number of new solar panels and wind turbines over the next quarter century, the planet will still face dangerous rising temperatures. Basically, even if these widely embraced clean energy technologies are put on overdrive, we are still probably in trouble, climate-wise. The report was understandably bearish on big growth in nuclear power. Following the tragic earthquake and accompanying damage to the nuclear reactors in Fukushima, Japan in 2011, new nuclear reactor construction has been largely halted in many countries. Public fear over safety, especially following such incidents, has long hampered the industry, and led to it being the sort of black sheep of clean power. But four years after the damage, environmentalists, nuclear advocates, and researchers are now looking at nuclear technology as an almost necessary way to generate power without carbon emissions that, if used correctly, could be crucial to help the world avoid the worst of global warming. And unlike with solar and wind, nuclear reactors generate power around the clock, but even with batteries, the o and M costs are sky high relative to nuclear. Tapping into this emerging sentiment is a new wave of entrepreneurs and investors, many in Silicon Valley, who are passionate about how technology innovation can lift the industry out of the nuclear uncertainties. The new guard are working within a nuclear industry that is stuck in the government inflicted regulatory and financing patterns of old. Big conglomerates dominate and career nuclear executives are the norm. But the lack of interest in new technology and new ideas are in sharp contrast to the high stakes of averting planetary catastrophe. A very good read on ....