1. 666 On Nuclear Power
Here I have assembled a group of online websites that address some of the current issues with nuclear power generation.
I attach a link to a website for each point addressed.
October 13, Olivia

2. Reactors now in service
Currently, there are 436 fission reactors providing power to national electrical grids. Their median age ~ 26yr.
There are 53 in some stage of approval or under construction though only two of them in the western hemisphere: 1 in Argentina, 1 in the USA.

3. Why so little interest?
Economics – Cost overruns continue to bring nuclear generation of electricity to higher cost than competitive energy sources.
Environmental – In spite of CO2 mitigation advantages, nuclear waste and radiation hazard seem to be a greater worry.

4. Risk and fear
Nuclear reactors have operated very reliably and with few accidents since the first reactor was grid-connected in Russia in 1954.
There have been accidents though, and some major ones, as well as near accidents caused by natural hazards.

5. Hazards to reactors
The then-largest nuclear installation in the world (now second) in Kashiwazaki, Japan was rendered non-operational for 21 months following an offshore Mw 6.6 earthquake. This is/was a foreseeable hazard, though one insufficiently included in design. What of those not foreseen, the “black swans”?

6. Fast breeders?
France undertook to build and operate the largest LMR, the Superphénix, in EDF abandoned the reactor in 1997, largely because of safety concerns. During its years of operation it only produced electrical energy worth 1.7% of construction and operational cost.

7. Political statement...
I don't see expansion of nuclear installations as a solution to any of the economic or environmental problems we face. However, as a physicist, I can appreciate the wonder and beauty of the concept.