[ddrhazy]

The costs of solar panels for the roofs should come down first before we consider it's applications anywhere else. The cheapest energy is still nuclear if people get over the fear of melt downs.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by ddrhazy

The costs of solar panels for the roofs should come down first before we consider it's applications anywhere else. The cheapest energy is still nuclear if people get over the fear of melt downs.

Not even close. Geothermal is cheapest. Natural gas, hydro, and wind are all cheaper than nuclear.

[ddrhazy]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

Not even close. Geothermal is cheapest. Natural gas, hydro, and wind are all cheaper than nuclear.

I disagree but you're free to your opinion.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by ddrhazy

I disagree but you're free to your opinion.

He and I don't agree very often, but he's right in this case. Nuclear isn't the least expensive option because of storage of the waste, and the potential catastrophe cost -- Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Fukushima. They were cheap power sources up until the minute that they weren't. And then they became VERY expensive.

I like the opportunity cost of solar and hydro electric, considering our zip code.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by ddrhazy

I disagree but you're free to your opinion.

My opinion is based on reading some DOE reports on the all-in cost per megawatt-hour of different powerplant fuel sources in the USA, to confirm what I already expected:

http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/aeo/pdf...generation.pdf

What's yours based on?

[ddrhazy]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

My opinion is based on reading some DOE reports on the all-in cost per megawatt-hour of different powerplant fuel sources in the USA, to confirm what I already expected:

http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/aeo/pdf...generation.pdf

What's yours based on?

Many different talks based on the pros and cons of all energy sources.

[ddrhazy]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

He and I don't agree very often, but he's right in this case. Nuclear isn't the least expensive option because of storage of the waste, and the potential catastrophe cost -- Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Fukushima. They were cheap power sources up until the minute that they weren't. And then they became VERY expensive.

I like the opportunity cost of solar and hydro electric, considering our zip code.

Well until solar/geo/wind becomes so abundant/cost effective/efficient that they are on par with the energy production of coal power plants you're either for coal or for nuclear energy and everything in between would only power 1 bedroom in every house in america.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by ddrhazy

Well until solar/geo/wind becomes so abundant/cost effective/efficient that they are on par with the energy production of coal power plants you're either for coal or for nuclear energy and everything in between would only power 1 bedroom in every house in america.

If everyone used as little electricity as we do, America could get by with half of its power plants.

And what part of "nuclear is the cheapest power source up until it isn't" is not clear? I'm sure there are millions of Japanese and Ukrainians who agree. If I had my way, everyone who wants nuclear power would spend a full year living in Pripyat.



... at least the neighbors are very, very quiet.

[ddrhazy]

Consumption is predicted to increase per person not reduce. Every time something is invented that might reduce consumption, we find another use for that energy.

The answer is to build plants to be more immune to melt down or if they do melt down, they are contained within the plant itself and region wide evacuation is not necessary.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by ddrhazy

The answer is to build plants to be more immune to melt down or if they do melt down, they are contained within the plant itself and region wide evacuation is not necessary.

Yeah, but we're not doing that. So the best course of action is to stay far away from nuclear power plants. A storm, earthquake or Homer Simpson can ruin entire regions.