How can nuclear energy be conserved?
1 Answer
By new more efficient reactors that use less uranium fuel, though conservation is not really an issue for the nuclear industry today.
Explanation:
There are a number of next generation reactors being developed by engineers, including some that would utilize thorium instead of uranium. Any new reactor design that utilizes less uranium fuel per output of energy is more efficient and would help to conserve uranium resources.
However, the nuclear industry is now struggling to stay alive with no new reactors being proposed or built in most western countries. Fears over reactor accidents and what to do with radioactive wastes are slowly killing the industry. Nuclear facilities are also very costly (up to $5 Billion to build) and so very few private sector companies are willing to risk that much money on an uncertain fuel. Consequently, any new proposed reactors would likely have to be funded by government.
