Nuclear power now makes up about 25% of the generation of Georgia Power, the largest unit of Atlanta-based Southern Co.

First U.S. nuclear reactor built from scratch in decades enters commercial operation in Georgia::ATLANTA — A new reactor at a nuclear power plant in Georgia has entered commercial operation, becoming the first new American reactor built from scratch in decades.

  • aksdb@feddit.deEnglish
    0·
    1 year ago

    I wouldn’t call it “clean power”. We still don’t have a good solution for the nuclear waste.

    Edit: Downvotes because I am not religiously defending a technology and pointing out that there are downsides (EVERYTHING HAS DOWNSIDES!). Too many people from reddit here already.

    • traveler01@lemdro.idEnglish
      02·
      1 year ago

      We do, Japan, France have been doing it for years. It’s forbidden in US due to the fear of the material being used to make nuclear bombs.

      • aksdb@feddit.deEnglish
        0·
        1 year ago

        Aha … : https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/france-seeks-strategy-nuclear-waste-site-risks-saturation-point-2023-02-03/

        The plan, called Cigéo, would involve placing the waste 500 metres (1,640 ft) below ground in a clay formation in eastern France.

        Construction is expected in 2027 if it gets approval. Among those opposed to it are residents of the nearby village of Bure and anti-nuclear campaigners.

        Burrying waste is not exactly clean. Yes, they reduce the waste. But they are also hitting limits and have challenges in increasing capacities.

        In spite of the war in Ukraine, which has made many in the West avoid doing business with Russia, EDF is expected to resume sending uranium to Russia this year as the only country able to process it. It declined to confirm to Reuters it would do so.

        That is also not really cool. I also find it a bit shady that something is only doable in Russia. That sounds a bit like it’s only possible there, because they ignore safety rules any other country would have in place and we don’t care because “now it’s their problem”.

        • traveler01@lemdro.idEnglish
          03·
          1 year ago

          For what I’m been reading online, that would be a waste of perfectly functioning nuclear material: check Nuclear reprocessing.

          It a material remains radioactive means it still has energy in it, so the goal should be using it to the maximum. SMRs for example, might use reprocessed nuclear material at their core.