America's Newest Nuclear Plant: 43 Years To Fruition

[Riddick]

Soon, if all goes according to plan, the second reactor at Watts Bar Nuclear Power Plant will begin supplying electricity to the US grid. TVA is trying to bring the new reactor up to full capacity for the first time this summer. The unit is undergoing a series of power ascension tests as part of the startup process.

Construction on the reactor in Spring City, Tennessee, has proceeded in fits and starts since the project began in 1973. Due to safety concerns and fluctuating demand, it’s the first new plant to come online in the US since the first Watts Bar reactor was completed 20 years ago. FULL STORY

[kbot]

Here in New England, we're closing down nuclear power generating plants. operators simply cannot be trusted to maintain them safely. The unit over in Plymouth, Mass is built (lie Fukashima) close to the ocean, bringing in concerns with nuclear pollution being carried by the Gulf Stream over to the Canadian Maritimes, Greenland, Iceland on on to Europe.

In theory, nuclear sounds nice. In practice, it leaves a LOT to be desired........

[Riddick]

Appeal For New UK Nuclear Plant Go-Ahead
The boss of the energy company hoping to build a new nuclear power station accuses critics of "overlooking the positive impact" of the scheme.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37207476