Reply #21: Are new uranium discoveries increasing, steady, or decreasing? [View All]

[Dogmudgeon]

That's the first question I would ask. The same situation in oil discoveries -- they are not just decreasing, they have just about stopped entirely -- is driving the "oil peak".

Keep in mind, I'm not talking about nuclear material production for the USA only, but for the world. EIA table 9.3 doesn't tell us about much except trade in the USA's nuclear materials, and doesn't really relate to the uranium shortage that the Times reports (but I assume they are reporting accurately). And of course, if the nuclear industry decides that it's cheaper to buy uranium from other countries than to mine it, it doesn't mean we're running out.

The second one: is nuclear reactor technology becoming more efficient -- or less, or holding steady?

I don't know the answer to the first (I think discoveries are increasing slightly), but the second is clearly getting better.

The Big Question is how nuclear safety technology is progressing. That, too, seems to be improving. As far as I've been able to find out, most of the trouble with nuclear energy appears to be from greedheaded business practices such as cheaping out on engineering and construction. (But I may be wrong, from either side of the issue.)

Similar problems of operational competency affect all energy industries. We ought to address this problem ASAP and hold industry to accountably higher standards, no matter what favorite form of energy we support.

--p!

ObDisclaimer: Layperson. Corrections to inaccurate statements of fact welcomed. Cited sources appreciated, but not demanded.
ObEsperanto: Multaj Dankoj!