New nuclear reactor designs bring new and unexpected dangers
Is Fukushima the new normal for nuclear reactors? the Conversation, Benjamin Sovacool, 27 Aug 13, “….New designs, new problems “……There is some evidence that newer reactor designs and systems are more prone to accidents. Dennis Berry, Director Emeritus of Sandia National Laboratories, explains that the problem with new reactors and accidents is twofold: scenarios arise that are impossible to plan for in simulations, and people make mistakes.
As he put it:
Fabrication, construction, operation, and maintenance of new reactors will face a steep learning curve: advanced technologies will have a heightened risk of accidents and mistakes. The technology may be proven, but people are not.
Former nuclear engineer David Lochbaum has noted that almost all serious nuclear accidents have occurred when operators have little experience with a plant. This makes new systems incredibly risky……….http://theconversation.com/is-fukushima-the-new-normal-for-nuclear-reactors-17391
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