As Germany steps away from nuclear energy, the world is witnessing a renewed interest in this low-emission power source. Nations like Russia, China, and now Switzerland, are rethinking their strategies to meet the growing energy demands of the future. The need to sustain and elevate our standard of living will soon drive a dramatic increase in energy consumption. To meet this challenge, a significant expansion of nuclear capacity is crucial.
In a recent decision, the Swiss government rejected the “Electricity for all at all times (stop the blackout)” initiative but showed a clear shift in attitude by supporting the idea of lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants. The initiative pushes for all forms of environmentally-friendly electricity generation, including advanced nuclear technologies, to be embraced.
While the government turned down the initiative, it plans to introduce an indirect counter-proposal by year-end, aiming to ensure a diversified and secure electricity supply.
However, as the global nuclear industry revives, the demand for uranium is expected to soar, potentially leading to supply shortages. To meet this rising demand, a significant increase in uranium production will be necessary in the coming years.
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47 sats \ 3 replies \ @drlh 29 Aug
To meet this rising demand, a significant increase in uranium production will be necessary in the coming years.
What about thorium reactors? It's 3 times more abundant than uranium, safer, leaves less waste, yields more energy. What disadvantage it has?
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Thorium? oh, I have no idea about that. what is your rough assessment?
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47 sats \ 1 reply \ @drlh 29 Aug
Thorium in itself can't fission, but when you stimulate with a little polonium or uranium you get uranium 233 which then is fissioned. That's why it's safe, you just need to pull off polonium and reaction is stopped. The main problem is the inexperience with this fuel. I don't think there is any operating plants besides the research ones now, though China plans to launch thorium plants for commercial use towards 2030. Btw it is a byproduct of an ore. I remember there was hidden thorium rings on aliexpress for being that cheap and unused.
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Sounds like future tech but with the need of deeper research and tests
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I like nuclear power
I just think the west is going to cheap out on it which is going to create disasters down the road
why do i think the west will cheap out on it? caus of the rampant insanity
what is the solution? who says there is one. things might just might have to play out. but lets see.
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Nuclear is the option if we really want to phase out fossil fuels.
It is telling that the elites want to phase out fossil fuels without growing nuclear.
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