First small modular nuclear reactor design certified for use in U.S.

[paleotn]

12. Isn't as big a deal as you think.

The transuranics that aren't reprocessed, the stuff taking thousands to hundreds of thousands of years to decay, make up only a tiny part of the waste stream. The vast bulk is lightly to medium radioactive waste that decays far, far quicker. In a decade or less. We know exactly now to deal with highly radioactive waste. Burial in dry, geologically stable places. It's human perceptions and foolishness that gets in the way of that, not the technology.

Decommissioning is most often caused by operators getting cold feet about nuclear, not that the site is actually worn out. Considering the actual longevity of a nuclear plant, and the amount of electricity it produces over its lifespan, decommissioning costs are manageable.

If we can ever get past the bullshit, and look at actual data and not perceptions, it would be common knowledge that nuclear power is safe and reliable. But, alas. I guess we'll have to just shiver when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow. Humans. Ugh.