Peak nuclear
July 12th, 2010 by Jim JustSince peaking in 2006, world nuclear power generation has fallen each year, as shown in this graph posted at The Oil Drum.
Aging nuclear facilities in the developed countries could mean this pattern will continue. The only group of countries showing an increase in nuclear power generation in 2009 was the “Remainder” group, which includes China, India, and many developing nations.
Gail the Actuary suggests growth in nuclear generation may be limited to a few countries which are able to finance new reactors – perhaps China and some other Asian nations. As old reactors are taken off line elsewhere, total nuclear electric generation may continue to decline.
Would any nuclear power plant ever get financed and built in the U.S. without federally funded support and federal limits on industry liability in case of an accident?