The Thorium Dream

[waddirum]

20. Keep Waiting for Godot

The last nuclear power plants to be built in the U.S. completed construction by the mid 1980s. This was before the use of computer spreadsheets or AutoCADD. Everything was done on paper (mimeograph), including the drafting and calculations. All 3D modeling was done physically with balsa wood and foam core.

All of those engineers are now in their 60s and 70s. Current nuclear engineering programs don't really have many graduates. It's been so long since a new plant has been built in the U.S., there are very few remaining manufacturers of Class 1 (seismically tested) components. There are less than 3 foundries in the world (none in the U.S.) that are capable of manufacturing the steel for a pressure vessel.

There was a chance of a nuclear renaissance as late as last year. However, the Fukushima catastrophe put the final nail in the nuclear coffin. Licenses will be extended and power uprated on existing plants. But outside of China, Iran, and a few other countries, no new nuclear plants will be constructed.