Green energy cheaper than nuclear alternative

I worked at the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo back in the 1980s, developing a Nuclear Regulatory Commission maintenance database for plant responses on the reactor boiling water pressure-suppression containment system. Since then, many safety systems and updates have been added. Hydraulic snubbers are huge “shocks” used on pipes to control movement. DAEC has two backup diesel generators and a borox suppression “last action” system. We are pretty safe statistically, but nature ignores statistics, as we can see in Japan.

Understanding of radioactive protection is in its infancy. Today, we still have no permanent disposal of waste fuel sitting in concrete-clad stainless steel containers on sites.

Green energy alternatives are cheaper to build today and will not have exponentially expensive demolition costs. Solar is stored many ways and becoming more effective. Electricity generation by the homeowner is the ultimate design. Daily improvements reduce or eliminate harmful substances in design and construction.

Biofuel promises replacement for gas and diesel for trucking and travel industries and electric urban cars with solar-based charging at residences, not plug-in off the grid, and light rail transit is gaining in cities.

Jack Guelff

Cedar Rapids