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11 QUESTIONS ABOUT NUCLEAR YOU WERE TOO AFRAID TO ASK....
11 Questions about nuclear you were too afraid to ask… and for good reason
1. Is nuclear power renewable?
No. Uranium is required for nuclear power and this is a finite fuel. It’s been estimated that we have a 50-year supply of uranium left in the world – unless more reserves are discovered.
2. Is nuclear power carbon free?
No. Fossil fuel is used to build and decommission nuclear power stations, manage the waste and a significant amount to produce and distribute the fuel (enriched uranium).
3. How do we clean up waste from nuclear plants?
No long-term solution for the disposal of nuclear waste has been found.
4. Is nuclear power safe?
Mr Gorbachev strongly warned MPs at Westminster against atomic power. He used the 1986 Chernobyl disaster to emphasize the case for renewable power over nuclear power.
5. How does radiation affect my health?
Worse than we previously thought, according to the findings of Micheal Meacher – MP and Environmental Minister. After the Chernobyl disaster spread fallout throughout the globe, studies of countries as far as America have found that rates of cancer and leukaemia increased sharply (by as much as 30% in areas close to Chernobyl) and continue to be raised.
6. What other accidents can happen at a nuclear power plant?
In 2005 British Nuclear Group had an accident at their Sellafield nuclear plant. The spillage of acid containing 20 tonnes of uranium and 160 kg of plutonium went undetected for 8 months and cost BNG £500 000 in government fines – they will not disclose the cost of repairs. Despite its track record the government is preparing BNG for privatisation.
7. What about a terrorist attack?
A recent US study estimated that an attack on a nuclear power plant could result in 44 000 immediate deaths and 500 000 people afflicted by long-term illnesses including cancers.
8. How much will it cost the taxpayer to manage nuclear waste?
The energy Act 2004 has written off a bill, which now stands at £56 billion, to clear up our existing nuclear waste (this includes cleaning up, decommissioning and making safe, this does not include long-term waste storage). This would cost every man, woman and child in this country £933 – or 5% of Britain’s GDP.
9. How do electricity costs from different energy sources compare?
The government’s own advisory body, the Performance and Innovation Unit has calculated the following for the year 2020:
On-land Wind: 1.5 - 2.5p per kWh
Offshore Wind: 2 – 3p per kWh
Gas: 2 – 2.3p per kWh*
Coal: 3 – 3.5p per kWh*
Nuclear: 3 – 4p per kWh
* Source paper article Michael Meacher MP
10. Does nuclear power work?
Nuclear technology is over 50 years old and has failed worldwide to such an extent that the World Bank refuses outright to consider any loans for nuclear projects. Tony Blair’s nuclear programme will be the 5th attempt in Britain – previous attempts have failed or generate power that is more expensive than alternatives.
11. Will nuclear plants be running in time to solve the energy gap?
Probably not. UK nuclear expert Gordon MacKerron says “there is no realistic chance given current politics, that nuclear power could deliver new power before 2020.” The reasons are that public consultation on plans and construction would realistically be approved by 2009, licensing and local public inquiry would take another 4 years – all this before construction could begin. While the Japanese have constructed and commissioned plants within 5 years, the process more typically will take 10 years until first production.**
** From paper article quoting Jeremy Leggett's new book Half Gone: Oil, Gas, Hot Air and The Global Energy Crisis
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