Treehugger Tackles Used Fuel

Treehugger took a look at used fuel reprocessing, and is keeping an open mind:

Nevertheless, the current efficiencies of most alternative energy processes suggest that the energy demands of the near future cannot be satisfied with windmills and wave power while maintaining (and spreading to developing areas) the standard of prosperity we enjoy today. Biofuels compete with foods and create a unique new set of ecological compromises. The nuclear question is back on the table in countries (like Germany) where existing facilities are reaching their age limits. It is good to know there are people out there working on better answers for the waste. And so what if it takes a decade or two? That is nothing compared to millenia.

For a look at NEI's position on the issue, which insists that the federal government take title and move used fuel as soon as is practicable, and that the nation still needs a used fuel repository at Yucca Mountain, click here.

Technorati tags: Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Power, Used Fuel, Energy, Reprocessing, Technology, Electricity, Yucca Mountain

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Wednesday Update

From NEI’s Japan micro-site: NRC, Industry Concur on Many Post-Fukushima Actions Industry/Regulatory/Political Issues • There is a “great deal of alignment” between the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the industry on initial steps to take at America’s nuclear energy facilities in response to the nuclear accident in Japan, Charles Pardee, the chief operating officer of Exelon Generation Co., said at an agency briefing today. The briefing gave stakeholders an opportunity to discuss staff recommendations for near-term actions the agency may take at U.S. facilities. PowerPoint slides from the meeting are on the NRC website. • The International Atomic Energy Agency board has approved a plan that calls for inspectors to evaluate reactor safety at nuclear energy facilities every three years. Governments may opt out of having their country’s facilities inspected. Also approved were plans to maintain a rapid response team of experts ready to assist facility operators recoverin

NEI Nuclear Notes

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