Nuclear downsizing here; upsizing there

[rick_strickert@pc.radian.com]

The post by Sandy Perle regarding his "downsizing" brings to mind the
April 26th editorial in Science magazine.  The editorial pointed out
that no new power reactors have been authorized in the US in the past
ten years.  The number of university nuclear engineering departments
in the US has decrease from 80 in 1978 to 35 today.

In the meantime, Japan plans to "upsize" its 49 power reactors by 40
more.  South Korea has 19 under construction to add to its 11
operating reactors.  Taiwan, Indonesia, and China are also have
additional power reactors in the planning stages.  The reactors are
being built in 5 years or less and, in the case of Korea, are
achieving over 85% average capacity factor.

When these additional reactors are up and running, the generated
electricity will not be used solely to power hair dryers and TVs.
The effect on energy-dependent jobs in the U.S. might be summed up
in one phrase - "NIMBY".

Rick


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