nuclear challenges

While many factors may favor and support renewed interest in nuclear power, several challenges remain.

First, the capital-intensive nature of nuclear power is an impediment to investment in new plant capacity. While capital costs have come down, nuclear exceeds coal or gas on a capital cost-per-kW basis. The lack of recent new-build experience, particularly in the U.S., also contributes to investor and public uncertainty.

Secondly, proper disposal of radioactive waste has been – and will remain – a major issue for the industry and governments. For example, in the U.S., existing waste is dispersed around the country, and progress on proposed alternatives remains slow. Yucca Mountain in Nevada has received extensive consideration as a depository, but whether it will be used remains uncertain. If approved for use, its capacity would be nearly filled by the amount of waste already generated and residing around the U.S.

In addition, the safe control of the nuclear material — including fuel and waste — remains a concern.

Lastly, while public sentiment has moved to a more favorable position, actual siting of new facilities will generally be an enormous challenge due to local “not in my backyard” concerns and broad-based anti-nuclear proponents.