• Question: is nuclear power reliable?

    Asked by dibbydom to Daniel, Derek, Ian, Phil, Upul on 21 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Derek Mann

      Derek Mann answered on 17 Jun 2010:

      again not really my area of knowledge, I think it must be otherwise countries such as France who use it a lot would not be doing so. But I believe there are envionmental concerns about what is done with the waste products.

    • Photo: Daniel Mietchen

      Daniel Mietchen answered on 20 Jun 2010:

      In terms of reliably turning radioactivity into electricity, largely yes (if safety measures are followed).

      In terms of being available in the long term, no – the specific variants of chemical elements (called isotopes) that can be used for the process are limited resources.

      In terms of the nuclear power industry making reliable statements about the advantages and dangers of nuclear energy (including nuclear waste management, risk of accidents, terrorist attacks, or blood cancer), clearly no.

    • Photo: Ian Sillett

      Ian Sillett answered on 21 Jun 2010:

      Yes it’s extremely reliable. The technology is now well established and therefore it’s reliable. It is also extremely safe with the proper controls in place. I believe that the UK should be investing in it more than it is.

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