Underground Siting of a Candu Nuclear Power Station

Oberth, R.C.; Lee, C.F.

doi:10.1016/b978-1-4832-8421-7.50098-3

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…SMRs attempt to lower the risk of radioactivity release to the atmosphere from a reactor accident by constructing reactors underground, but this increases construction cost. For example, a study from Canada showed a 31 to 36 percent increase relative to an equivalent surface facility, and warned about “potentially more difficult construction and operating procedures” (Oberth and Lee 1980, 711). The SMR literature pays little attention to these problems.…”

Section: Contradictionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Back to the Future

Sovacool

Ramana

2014

Science, Technology, & Human Values

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In this article, we argue that scientists and technologists associated with the nuclear industry are building support for small modular reactors (SMRs) by advancing five rhetorical visions imbued with elements of fantasy that cater to various social expectations. The five visions are as follows: a vision of risk-free energy would eliminate catastrophic accidents and meltdowns. A vision of indigenous self-energization would see SMRs empowering remote communities and developing economies. A vision of water security would see SMR-powered desalination plants satisfying the world's water needs. A vision of environmental nirvana would see SMRs providing waste-free and carbon-free electricity to preserve the earth's biosphere. A vision of space exploration would see SMRs assisting in the colonization of the moon, Mars, 1 Downloaded from and possibly other worlds. These visions help create a symbolic convergence among promoters, serving to attract political and financial support, and erasing previous nuclear failures from public discourse. Moreover, underlying these visions is a technological utopian ideal world where SMRs would generate plentiful energy of multiple kinds (electricity and heat), offering the necessary means for a life of comfort for all people by meeting various needs (lighting, temperature control, drinking water, and provision of scarce minerals) and without any environmental externalities or cause for concern about accidents.

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Section: Contradictionmentioning

confidence: 99%