This is the perfect conundrum that the world has to solve before we really move forward and look for new sources of energy and how we wish to develop them further. Nuclear Energy is without doubt a source that has immense potential. In fact, there could be a day when we could truly power up the city of New York for months with nothing but a glass of water (As so eloquently stated in ‘Chain Reaction’). But with what consequences? That is a question that we need to look at closely before we move any further.

Exelon, the largest operator of nuclear power plants in the United States has filed a license application with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US-NRC) to build two new nuclear power plants near Victoria, Texas. When operating, the plants will produce zero units of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, sulfur oxides, and fly ash. The Boiling Water Reactors will each produce approximately 1,500 MW of electric power.
It is worth noting that a 3,000 MW power station operating at an average capacity factor of 90% - which is typical for a US nuclear power plant - can produce more than 23 million MW-hours of electricity each year.

If you factor in the current costs of power in Texas then this turns out to be a gold mine waiting to be dug up even in terms of the economy of it all. Of Course, it will also mean that the local economy will thrive with more jobs as well. But what about the nuclear waste? I guess for now we will have to like with it and it could be far easier to dispose of it rather than deal with more CO2 at present. All in all, it is thumbs up for the new giant project.

Via Cleantechnica