Why are nuclear power construction costs so high?

Re:Why are nuclear power construction costs so high? by cryptonector on Thursday June 09, 2022 @06:25PM (#31687748)

Here's an idea: offer one of these micro/modular reactors for free to a developer of a new residential division, and indemnify them by offering to remove it after at least N years in operation and up to M years after that.

I would consider living in a division that has extra low-cost electricity. It couldn't be zero cost because nuclear could only provide base load power, unless one of these micro/modular reactor types is so innovative that it can provide base and peak load power, in which case such a division could have truly zero-cost power for a bunch of years.

I.e., promote the darned things, loss-lead if need be.

If the manufacturer won't take such risks, then might never break through.

I bet that after a few years you could get such good press out of it that other developers might sign on.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why are nuclear power construction costs so high? by ethbr0 on Thursday June 09, 2022 @06:54PM (#31687980)

> Here's an idea: offer one of these micro/modular reactors for free to a developer of a new residential division...

One word: Epcot

It's something Disney and Florida could probably agree on, would be a wholesome PR story about investing in Walt's futurism dreams, and would be easier to negotiate than with a less-planned development.

And finally, what better showcase than "If it's safe enough for Disney"?

Our Friend the Atom, indeed https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QRzl1wHc43I

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why are nuclear power construction costs so high? by nhoughto on Thursday June 09, 2022 @11:35PM (#31689700)

And also they already can, if you believe it:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-15/disney-wo...

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why are nuclear power construction costs so high? by ethbr0 on Friday June 10, 2022 @06:31AM (#31692202)

Yeah... chose not to highlight that, as it seemed a clickbaity way of saying "Disney has historically had substantial independence in zoning" (which is a more accurate but less exciting way to phrase it).

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why are nuclear power construction costs so high? by XorNot on Thursday June 09, 2022 @08:34PM (#31688660)

Reactors can provide peak power no problems, the incentive not to is you burn fuel at a higher rate then you need to since you can't ramp quickly. But in a small scale scenario you could easily oversize the reactor to service the local area, and sell any excess on the grid as though it were a renewable utility.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why are nuclear power construction costs so high? by cryptonector on Thursday June 09, 2022 @11:46PM (#31689782)

That's fair. Excess power can be driven into the ground, and at small scales it can be sold to the grid.

[ Parent | on HN ]