Revival of the 2nd renaissance of nuclear power

Nuclear power, once abandoned after the tragedy of Chernobil, is newly watched. The spring of new nuclear era is coming with the worldwide projects to develop next generation nuclear redactors and the returning of the Unite States which is planning to resume its nuclear plant construction. Uncle Sam is busy of searching an alternative way after experiencing the most serious shortage of power supply last year in California. The related industries are already looking out for supportive policies for the construction of nuclear plants by Bush administration that prefers nuclear energy.

James Lake, the chair of the Academy of nuclear power, declared that US will resume its reconstruction of nuclear plants in 3 years. In this circumstance, the price of a ragged nuclear plant in Vermont has jumped up double recently. The reason of the re-attraction to the nuclear power is rooted in the recent soar of international oil price which is approaching high $ 30 per barrel. Spotlights on the natural gasses also have dimmed by its increased price. Another reason is that the technology of `alternative clean energy` such as solar energy or wind power still requires of much more improvement.

Projects for the development of a next generation nuclear redactor are to be revitalized.

The next generation redactor, called the 4th generation redactor, will reduce radioactive wastes down to 10 percent of its antecedent, current the 3rd generation redactor, while it increased its economical efficiency and security more than 10 times by utilizing different nuclear fuels and coolants from current ones.

However, it might be too soon to predict the 2nd renaissance of the nuclear power since the voices of opposition are still militant. Germany ruled by the Social Democratic Party – Green Party coalition decided to close all of its 19 nuclear plants by 2020 to create a `nuclear plant free country.` New construction of nuclear plants in the US is seemingly to confront serious oppositions. Anti-nuclear organizations are warning irreversible disasters of nuclear plants when they are built without enough preparation for potential accidents and possible environmental pollution.

dream@donga.com