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submitted 1 year ago by L4s@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world

First U.S. nuclear reactor built from scratch in decades enters commercial operation in Georgia::ATLANTA — A new reactor at a nuclear power plant in Georgia has entered commercial operation, becoming the first new American reactor built from scratch in decades.

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[-] ephemeral_gibbon@aussie.zone 11 points 1 year ago

Coal isn't the cheapest though. For new build power renewables + storage are. That is to say, the incremental cost of running a coal plant isn't that massive, but cost to build + fuel one amortised over the lifetime is more than renewables + storage.

So yes, you can enforce "adequate regulation" and nuclear will still be the most expensive.

[-] Cabrio@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Yes, but nuclear scales the best, requires lower geological footprint than renuables, and is safer than fossil fuels. Price is not the only metric of value.

[-] traveler01@lemdro.id 2 points 1 year ago

And if you take into account the damage CO2 emissions are doing to the environment?

[-] ephemeral_gibbon@aussie.zone 1 points 1 year ago

Oh I think we should shut down coal as soon as possible. But if energy prices can go down by having the cheaper energy production of renewables instead of up because of nuclear the transition can happen faster.

[-] relic_@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago

This is really only one facet and not even the main driver in cost. MIT did a study a few years ago looking at this (https://news.mit.edu/2020/reasons-nuclear-overruns-1118). Turns out it's complicated.

In short, in the US, lacked of skilled labor and large scale project management are big drivers also, not just regulations.

this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2023
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